The former Kenya Sevens captain says the transition from the pitch to the dugout has been tough but learning from others has helped him greatly
Former Kenya Sevens captain Andrew Amonde has revealed how learning from ex-internationals has helped him cope with the challenges of coaching, having made the transition this season.
Amonde retired last year after an illustrious playing career that saw him feature for both KCB and Shujaa, playing for the latter for 16 years, and stayed on to help pass the knowledge to the younger players for the bankers.
He was made KCB sevens coach this season and the early signs look good as he has so far led them to victory at the opening Dala Sevens in Kisumu before finishing third at Driftwood in Mombasa last month.
As he prepares for this weekend’s Prinsloo Sevens, Amonde says it has been tough being in the dugout but consulting others who have been in the same shoes is helping him greatly.
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The experienced ex-skipper has revealed that he is one of those being considered for a place on the national team’s technical bench.
“Being a coach is not easy, it is a challenge but one that I have welcomed very well. I am transitioning slowly and learning most of the things through the guidance and help of Curtis Lilako and Dennis Mwanja,” said Amonde
“The transition has been seamless, I am learning a lot from the guys who have been there. Luckily, I also have a good attachment with people like Michael ‘Tank’ Otieno (former Kenya 15s coach). I am also in touch with some of the senior players so that guidance that I am getting is something I know will be a plus in the future.”
Amonde confirmed he is among those in line to sit on the Kenya Sevens technical bench with reports saying he will serve as assistant to Kevin Wambua alongside Kabras coach Carlos Katywa.
He is also set for a new coaching role at KCB when the new Kenya Cup season starts, following the end of the National Sevens Circuit in September.
“I will always be on the side just to lend the guidance and the support that the team may need to prosper. I will not be leaving the team, it’s a matter of changing roles to assist the team differently,” he added.
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“I have been given the role of assistant forwards coach so I will be helping in the technical side of it so I will still be working with the team to see how we can get better.”
The ex-flanker, who featured in three World Cup Sevens, two Olympics as well as winning the Singapore Sevens with Shujaa, won numerous titles with KCB and he hopes what he is learning currently will come in handy in his soon-to-be new roles.