•The Simbas had played seven matches in the Currie Cup winning two and losing five to sit seventh on the log with 12 points.
• The Simbas had played seven matches in the Currie Cup, winning two and losing five to sit seventh on the log with 12 points.
Image: FILE
Kenya Simbas' players are up in arms over non-payment of their allowances from the Currie Cup competition played between March and this month.
They have asked the Ministry of Sports to come to their rescue and pay just as they have done for the Shujaa and Lionesses this year.
A source, who sought anonymity, said the players are going through a rough time having represented the country for the last three months in South Africa.
"Why are we being treated like lesser children yet players from Shujaa and Lionesses have been paid their dues and we have not? We are asking the Ministry to come to our aid,” the source noted.
A well-wisher had promised to pay the team but has not come through. Speaking on Tuesday, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman, Sasha Mutai, promised to pay the outstanding allowances by Friday.
"We know the players are owed since they started training in March. By the end of the week, we hope to pay all their outstanding dues," added Mutai.
The news comes hot on the heels of the Simbas shelving their final two matches in the Currie Cup against South African provincial sides, Valke and SWD Eagles at home due to financial constraints.
Mutai said the funds they were awaiting from broadcast revenue and the government failed to come through, resulting in the cancellation of both ties.
"It was beyond our control. We tried everything but we could not rise the money for the two matches," added Mutai
The Simbas had played seven matches in the Currie Cup, winning two and losing five to sit seventh on the log with 12 points. The Simbas beat Zimbabwe Goshawks 48-7 and Border Bulldogs 30-26.
Mutai said they are talking to Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Zambia to play in the Victoria Cup in August.
“We have not set a specific date but we hope to finalise everything in the next couple of weeks to have us playing the tournament from August,” added Mutai.