Kisumu RFC head coach Simon Wariuki has backed rising star Harrison Mauve to play a key role in the club’s quest to return to the Kenya Cup after a season in the second tier.
Wariuki said Mauve, who impressed during the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit and represented the Kenya Morans at the Safari Sevens, is central to the club’s plans for the upcoming KRU Championship campaign.
“Mauve is part of us for next season, and he will play a key role in our KRU Championship campaign. He was one of the revelations during the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit, and we trust that he will carry the same mojo to our 15s campaign,” said Wariuki.
The coach dismissed speculation linking the youngster with top-tier clubs, insisting that Kisumu RFC remained committed to developing his potential.
“We have worked with him and his teammates during the Sevens Circuit, and he is currently with us as we step up our pre-season preparations. He had a lot of potential, which we unlocked,” he said.
Wariuki believes Mauve could become a key member of Kenya’s national sevens team, Shujaa, within the next two years.
“In the next one or two years, he will be one of the core players at Shujaa,” added the former Nakuru RFC coach and player.
Meanwhile, Wariuki is confident Kisumu RFC can secure promotion by winning the Championship, with the club working to establish stronger structures to ensure it remains competitive in the top flight.
“We are working on a proper foundation and structures for the team to win the KRU Championship and qualify for the Kenya Cup. Lack of structures was partly to blame for the team’s failure to stay in the Kenya Cup,” he said.
Kisumu RFC will open their campaign against newcomers Kenya Prisons on November 21 at Kisumu National Polytechnic.
Wariuki said pre-season preparations were progressing well, with the squad blending young talent and experience. Victor Were, signed from Menengai Oilers, is their only experienced recruit.
“The players we have are capable of winning the KRU Championship. They are ready to compete against the best,” he added.
Wariuki also praised assistant coach Allan Kasiti for his role in recruitment, crediting him with identifying promising players, including Mauve, a former student at Mukumu Boys.
