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After participating in the elite competition for almost two decades, Kenya’s drop was confirmed on Sunday.
Former Kenya Sevens player Lucas Onyango has criticized Rugby Union and the Ministry of Sports after Shujaa’s relegation from the World Seven Series.
A 12-7 play-off loss to Canada confirmed Kenya’s drop from the famed sevens club, and this was not well received across the nation.
The relegation meant that Shujaa’s 19-year stay in the top flight came to a shocking and disastrous end.
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12:15 - 22.05.2023
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"We sit here trying to make all sorts of excuses, but truth be told, having jokers leading sports organizations and ministries got us here," Onyango tweeted.
"This would not have happened if players and coaches were properly looked after. Look at the jokers running our country and institutions, and you think Kenya will ever achieve its full potential."
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05:00 - 22.05.2023
RUGBY Shujaa relegation: How Kenya Sevens shot themselves in the foot
Kenya surrendered their prestigious top flight status following their relegation from the World Rugby Sevens Series on Sunday but they had it coming
While recalling his time with the Kenya Sevens, Onyango said they were paid peanuts while expectations were very high.
"This is one of the saddest days in Kenyan rugby history," he added.
"Some of us were paid peanuts and expected to win trophies at a time when Kenyan rugby players were paid well before the people who came before them and pushed for player rights."
While regretting Kenya’s drop, Onyango pointed out that a major problem that has contributed to this catastrophe is overreliance on foreign coaches.
"We are obsessed with foreigners leading our time but ready to invest in our local sons who showed they can lead," added the retired Sevens’ star.
"Seven years ago, Kenya conquered the sevens and had a blueprint for winning no matter what. What do the powers that be do then because they can’t control him [Benjamin] Ayimba?
"They sack him and go back to the foreigners, and look where we are."
Ayimba led Kenya to their only world series win in 2016 in Singapore before he left his position unceremoniously and shockingly.
In recent times, key players including Andrew Amonde, Collins Injera, Willy Ambaka, and Oscar Ouma opted out of the Kenya Sevens’ side, and this is believed to be one of the reasons the outfit’s fate experienced a downward spiral.
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