Mixed reactions over KRU's decision to restrict ESS Cup to U-20s

The decision to restructure the Erick Shirley Shield (ESS) into an Under-20 tournament has sparked debate across Kenya’s rugby community with reactions from club officials and fans.

The ESS Cup, traditionally a second-tier competition for senior players affiliated with Kenya Cup sides, will now be reserved exclusively for Under-20 teams starting next season.

Kenya Cup side coaches have voiced concerns over the sudden shift in structure. Menengai Oilers Head Coach Gibson Weru welcomed the idea of trying to develop new talents but criticised the decision, stating that it risks sidelining senior players who depend on the ESS for game time and development.

“I think it’s a good idea trying to develop the Under 20, but the idea of restricting the age limit is simply not practical with this proposal. Most of our players who play ESS are between 21-25 years. ESS is our development pathway before the player’s transition to the Kenya Cup.

“Our Kenya Cup players average 23 to mid-30’s, what happens to our players between 21- 25yrs who do not make the Kenya Cup cut?” he paused.

He noted that the new changes if implemented will have a huge financial cost which the club is not prepared for since they lacked quality players in that age group to make a squad.

⁠”We don’t have enough quality players to make an Under-20 squad. We will have to get players for this purpose and it will come at a huge cost.”

Kenya Harlequins Head Coach Patrice Agunda while also cautioned the reforms and emphasised on the need of a phased approach rather than an abrupt transition.

“I think the changes should be done progressively, otherwise we will be locking out a large pool of players out of the game. Players hit their peak playing potential at different times.”

Dennis Mutiso who is the chairman of nationwide side Murang’a Trojans has expressed satisfaction with the reforms stating that it’s a good way to strengthen and develop Under-20 and noted that South Africa has excelled through South Africa Rugby Under-20 Cup.

“Just like South Africa, it’s a good platform to build our U-20 team and also make it easy for U-20 coaches to select teams for national duty.”

Mutiso also acknowledged the new format will hugely affect Kenya Cup teams who use ESS as feeder routes for their players to the Kenya Cup.

“It will be a blow to the Kenya Cup teams who use the tier to build their players.”

Online, reactions have been split. Some rugby fans praised the move as a bold step toward revitalising the sport at the youth level and funding will be key to make it a success while others saw the move will be beneficial to lower leagues.

“It’s a brilliant idea, now we work on funding because the u20 are usually students who need funding more than anything else,” posted Maigua Ratemo.

 “This can also strengthen the championship as another proper tournament,” commented Powell Ragot.

Others however were against the reforms saying that ESS is essential to Kenya Cup teams and makes the top tier competition more competitive.

“Eric Shirley Shield is a reserve league; a competitive Kenya Cup must have a reserve league. This is a forum for blooding new players, structured return to action for injured players and an active rest forum for players on lighter duty rotation,” James Absaloms commented on Facebook.

“Is it even practical when most Under-20 boys are in boarding schools?” asked Kevin Maguto.