Kenya rugby great Andrew Amonde confirms Shujaa coaching departure

Former Kenya sevens captain Andrew Amonde has confirmed his departure from Shujaa’s technical set-up, ending his work as the national team’s strength and conditioning coach. The 2026 development leaves him focused on his position as KCB Rugby 7s head coach.

Amonde said the separation from the Kenya Rugby Union was unfortunate, but indicated that his priority would now be helping KCB develop. He had been combining his club responsibilities with his role around the national sevens team.

Reports earlier in the week linked the change to a position that Amonde could not continue holding both jobs. The issue attracted attention because other coaches have worked at club and national level at the same time.

Amonde joined Kevin “Bling” Wambua’s Shujaa coaching team in August 2023. During that period, he was involved as Kenya moved through the African sevens qualification tournament for the Olympics, the World Rugby Challenger Series and the World Rugby Series.

His departure removes a former national captain from the current support staff. Amonde led Kenya at major competitions, including the World Series and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Amonde also has a substantial record with KCB. His playing and coaching career with the club has included seven Kenya Cup titles, two Enterprise Cup successes and two National Sevens Circuit championships. After moving from the field to the touchline, he guided the bankers to the previous season’s NSC title.

His next task will be to give KCB his full attention as the club continues under his leadership. Shujaa will proceed without the former captain in the strength and conditioning role he held since joining the national set-up in 2023.