NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 30 – The national women’s sevens team finally departed the country on Wednesday afternoon to participate at this weekend’s Dubai Sevens International Invitational in the United Arab Emirates.
Dennis Mwanja’s charges were seen off at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba who wished the team all the best as they battle Tunisia, South Africa and France Women Development in the two-day competition.
“I have this afternoon seen off the Kenya national women rugby team who travel to Dubai for the International Invitational tournament. The Lionesses had been left behind by the men’s team, Shujaas,” Namwamba said.
The Lionesses had been in danger of missing out on the tournament due to lack of visas in addition to the fact that they have gone five months without pay.
The situation mirrors those of their male counterparts – Shujaa – as well as the men’s 15s side who had likewise complained of non-payment of allowances for months.
The CS on Monday held a day-long meeting with Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) officials during which they came up with a number of resolutions to prevent the unfortunate situation from recurring in the future.
Namwamba once again reiterated that the union must get their act together and put the players at the centre of all their activities.
“Allowances for both teams (Shujaa and Lionesses) are being paid direct (sic) to them. Kenya Rugby Union must manage rugby better,” he said.
Shujaa departed the country on Sunday night for the Dubai Sevens after a drama-filled day during which a number of national team players issued an ‘SOS’ on social media, revealing that they have gone three months without pay.
It came over a week after the 15s side allegedly downed their tools at their training camp in Dubai, ahead of their final Rugby World Cup qualifier match against Hong Kong, citing the same issue.
