Kisumu RFC coach Okwemba eyes first win in Kenya Cup
The Bravehearts have gone five games without a win this season.
6mon agoANGWENYI GICHANARugby
Kisumu RFC players celebrate during a past tournament/HANDOUTKisumu RFC is targeting an immediate return to the Kenya Cup after unveiling a new technical bench ahead of the upcoming season.
Kisumu was relegated to the KRU Championship alongside Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in the just-concluded campaign.
On Thursday, the club announced the appointment of Simon Wariuki as head coach, with Allan Kasiti named assistant coach.
Wariuki replaces Howard Okwemba, who left the club midway through last season.
Club secretary Robert Wechesi said the new technical bench has been tasked with securing a top-two finish in the KRU Championship to guarantee promotion back to the Kenya Cup.
Wariuki and Kasiti have also been handed the responsibility of improving the club’s competitiveness in the National Sevens Circuit.
In addition, the duo has been charged with establishing a strong scouting and mentorship structure aimed at nurturing young talent across the Lake region and Western Kenya.
“Wariuki brings championship DNA to Kisumu,” Wechesi said in a statement.
Wariuki previously coached Nakuru RFC in the Kenya Cup for four years as head coach after serving five years as assistant coach. He also worked as assistant coach for the 2024 Super Series champions, Cheetahs.
“Known for his brains rugby philosophy, his mandate is to implement a clinical system that restores Kisumu’s status as a top-flight powerhouse,” Wechesi added.
Speaking on Kasiti’s appointment, Wechesi said: “Kasiti understands the grit required to navigate the competitive landscape and brings a decorated record of success in grassroots rugby. He will lead the club’s mission to identify and nurture the best talent in the region.”
“By pairing Wariuki’s elite top-flight experience with Kasiti’s proven ability to build winning programs from the ground up into our technical bench, we have created a technical bench capable of restoring Kisumu RFC to its rightful place at the summit of Kenyan rugby,” he added.
Wariuki and Kasiti will officially begin their duties on Saturday during the club’s trials at Kisumu National Polytechnic.
“We are specifically looking for young, hungry players who embody our core values of discipline, teamwork, respect, and excellence,” the club said in a statement.
“If you have got the speed, the grit, and the ambition to be part of something bigger, we want to see you on the pitch."
