Wednesday 14th May marked exactly 100 days since Paul Odera took over as the Kenya Rugby Union’s Director of Rugby and Pathways Manager. The KRU Media Team caught up with Odera for a Q n A session to recap his experience so far and what he’s looking forward to in the next 100 days.
KRU Media: Describe your first 100 days in four words.
Paul Odera: Exhilarating, fulfilling, astonishing, challenging.
KRU Media: How has the experience been working with all departments within the National Squads, Development and local leagues?
Paul Odera: It has been a lot of information to digest in a short period of time, however, it has been really exciting to see how different coaches approach the preparation and execution of their coaching plans. The local leagues are really vibrant, and I have also witnessed firsthand the challenges community clubs are facing to honour fixtures and keep their clubs running.
KRU Media: Was it what you expected when you started in February?
Paul Odera: No it was not!!! I was a bit naive in some of my expectations, but I am a quick learner.
KRU Media: Any lessons picked along the way?
Paul Odera: To get the right people in the right place makes a huge difference. People are the most important asset for my role.
KRU Media: Any achievements you are proud of so far?
Paul Odera: Our women qualifying for the 2nd Division in 7s, brought me to tears. The start of the creation of pathways for coaches, players, S&Cs from our schools, clubs, and universities. The start of creating a framework for the grassroots. Community rugby clubs. The establishment of a verifiable database for our regional development officers, the strengthening of our partnership with the Kenya Academy of Sports in training our teachers, and the successful implementation of the Junior Secondary School rugby program for boys and girls.
KRU Media: What’s the goal for the next 100 days?
Paul Odera: The next 100 days is to conduct a needs analysis, and find out from our schools, clubs and districts what they need from the office of the Director of Rugby and support them to perform even better in local competitions.
KRU Media: Message to rugby fraternity as we shift focus to Kenya Simbas and later the sevens circuit.
Paul Odera: My message to the rugby fraternity is that I am here to serve them and they can count on me to support them in developing the game in their schools, clubs, and regions.
Paul Odera has previously served as the Head Coach for the Kenya U20 national team, known as Chipu, where he successfully led the team to qualification for the 2019 World Rugby U20 Trophy. His leadership in this capacity has been pivotal in nurturing young talent and promoting a competitive spirit within the team.
In addition to his role with Chipu, Odera has also been the Head Coach of the Kenya Simbas. Under his guidance, the Simbas achieved significant milestones and showcased their potential on international platforms.
