Kenya Simbas coach Paarwater set to head 15's programme

Kenya Simbas coach Jerome Paarwater has been appointed head of the 15's programme.

In revamped roles which we can exclusively reveal,  the South African will oversee the national 15-a-side teams and offer technical advice to the various teams. 

Previously the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) director of Rugby was in charge of the 15's programme and now the South African takes charge.

The former South African international will oversee the training programme and alignment of playing style for all national teams in conjunction with various Kenya Cup clubs going forward. 

The setup of the Simbas will remain the same as last year with Kabras coach Carlos Katywa and KCB coach Curtis Olago acting as his assistants.

Richard Ochieng will be the strength and conditioning coach. Steve Mankone is the physiotherapist and Jimmi Mnene is the team manager.

In other appointments, Simon Jawichre will be the head coach of Kenya Under-20 to be assisted by Kenny Andola while former Simbas coach Paul Odera will be in charge of Kenya Under-18 to be assisted by Derrick Liyako.

Former Kenya Sevens star Biko Adema will coach the Kenya under-15 team. All coaches appointed will be reporting to Jerome Paarwater. 

To further bolster the setup, two assistant team managers, Philip Wamae and Joseph Guchu, will provide invaluable support and assistance. 

KRU director of 15s rugby, Moses Mukabane, said the priority is to ensure all national teams are playing with the same philosophy and structure.

“ You have seen the last couple of years different coaches bring styles to the various teams they oversee so we want one coach to oversee and come up with a certain playing style that will cater for all our national sides," he said. 

Mukabane said it is best practice worldwide that they have seen with leading nations in the world like champions South Africa, England and France.

“ A case in point is South Africa's Rassie Erasmus who coaches Under-18 and U-14 sides. We want something similar in Kenya” observed Mukabane. 

Mukabane said the Kenya U-18 and U-15 teams will train mostly during the school holidays and will act as feeder programs to the various national teams going forward.

“We want our young boys and girls to start playing the sport early like in primary school and not see the rugby ball for the first time at the high school level.  If we start rugby in our primary schools, we will grow as a rugby nation,” he observed

The Simbas had their first training camp of the year over the weekend ahead of international test matches in July and November later in the year.