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Kenya: Contracted Shujaa Stars Set for Huge Pay-Cut

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6 years ago

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Nairobi — Contracted Kenya Sevens players are set for massive pay cuts from as much as 75pc for the highest earners, if current proposals by the Union go through due to the devastating financial effect the novel coronavirus has had on global sport.

Capital Sports has learnt that the Kenya Rugby Union has mooted the idea of reducing salaries for contracted players to cushion themselves from the financial burden of the virus.

“They are yet to table the letters officially but the idea they have suggested is that all players will have a flat salary of Sh24,000 beginning this month. This is a devastating amount because honestly, for people who totally depend on the game, how will they survive?” a player who sought anonymity disclosed.

Players in the team under new contracts earn a basic salary of between Sh60,000 and Sh98,000 depending on the tier and the cut will see the deductions range from 75pc for the highest earners to 60pc for the lowest earners.

KRU boss Oduor Gangla has confirmed to Capital Sport that talks are ongoing between the players and the Union for a pay cut, especially now that they will not be involved until earliest September.

“This is something that we are currently in discussion with the players and I can’t divulge much details at this point. We have seen the situation the world over with people having to take pay cuts because of the effects of the virus,” Gangla said.

He added; “We all know that the Union and not just us in rugby but most other sports have been struggling financially and we are not like the European guys who have reserves. It is a tough time for sports.”

But, the players are said to be uncomfortable with the new arrangement and are questioning why the huge cut when they already saw their basic salaries reduced in the new contracts they signed.

Previously, the lowest earning player earned a basic salary of Sh100,000 while the highest would take home Sh140,000, minus travel and playing allowances.

“At the beginning of the season, we were informed that the government had given the Union Sh89mn for their activities this year. We have a lot postponed already and we don’t understand whether the money in their accounts has been depleted or not,” another player lamented.

While Shujaa will have a part of their salary retained, the other national teams are set to suffer the worst as they are on allowance-based pay and not contracted.

The Kenya Simbas, Chipu and the Lionesses are all on per-tournament pay basis.