Kenya Simbas head coach Paul Odera has resigned.
Odera, who took who charge recently, guided the team to the final round of World Cup qualification a fortnight ago, beating Zambia 45-8.
In a statement from Kenya Rugby Union read: “The Kenya Rugby Union Board has accepted Paul Odera's resignation from his role as head coach of the Kenya men's national 15's team, The Simbas."
The statement added: "KRU would like to extend their sincere thanks to Odera for his exemplary service during his time with the Kenya U20s and most recently, the Simbas. We wish him well in his future pursuits."
Odera's target was to qualify the Simbas to a maiden Rugby World Cup appearance in France in 2023.
Odera took over from New Zealand coach Ian Snook, who resigned in July, 2019. His exit leaves KRU with no choice but to look for a new coach with qualifiers slated for June next year.
Odera's relationship with the union has soured for the better part of this year owing to a lack of adequate preparation for the Simbas ahead of the Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
The former international had asked for training camps and virtual training sessions with the team but only started training in May, leaving the side with inadequate training time for the two fixtures against Senegal and Zambia.
The Simbas started their qualifiers on losing note, falling 20-19 to Senegal at Nyayo Stadium.
The Simbas bounced back by beating Zambia to keep their qualification hopes to the rugby extravaganza alive.
The former Strathmore Leos coach said going forward, the team will need training camps for the next one year to give themselves a chance of qualification.
The Simbas are due to meet Uganda in the Rugby qualifier quarterfinal with the winner facing Senegal or Algeria in the last four.
Before joining the Simbas, Odera had guided Kenya Under 20 team better known as Chipu to the Junior Rugby World Trophy in 2019 in Brazil, finishing sixth.
The Simbas missed out on qualification to the 2019 World Cup in Japan after losing all three matches in the repechage qualifier to Germany, Canada and Hong Kong in the event played in France.
