The Kenya national sevens team, Shujaa, has been forced to appeal for help ahead of the 2022 Dubai 7s slated for Friday, December 2, to Saturday December 3, in the United Arab Emirates.
A number of Shujaa stars including Willy Ambaka posted links on their social media platforms requesting their fans to contribute whatever little they have to fund both the Dubai and Cape Town 7s legs.
"Greeting to the Kenya 7s Family! As some of you may have heard, we are now going on our third month without pay.
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"Our lives and those of our loved ones have been greatly strained, even in our persistent effort to give you the desired outcomes on the pitch.
"Our desperate situation has now forced us to turn to you, our global community, to help us in raising funds. The money raised will be split among the boys to help settle some of our pending bills - We need your assistance,” read part of his statement.
Billy Odhiambo, the fourth Kenyan to register 100 tries in the history of Kenya 7s, also requested help from the well-wishers.
"I'm speaking on behalf of Kenya 7s. I have shared a m-changa link for whoever sees it fit to drop us something for the course.
"We are struggling but we have to represent you people at the Dubai and Capetown Legs," he ended.
Edwin Sifuna, the senator of Nairobi County pledged Ksh 100,000 to help the national team and called out the Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba.
“I will start you off with Ksh100,000 Willy Ambaka. We are proud of the work you are doing despite the difficulties.
“I have also raised this matter in the Senate and last week the matter was taken up by the relevant committee. Help is on the way, hang in there. Ababu Namwamba what is happening?” stated Sifuna.
This is not the first time that a Kenyan national team has been forced to ask for contributions to honour international competitions.
Malkia Strikers, Kenya Simbas, and the Kenya Baseball team are some of the other national sides who had to organize Harambees to honour their matches a few months ago.
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