Kenya Simbas backrower Bethuel Anami has opened up on why he believes it is becoming increasingly difficult for Kenyan rugby players to secure opportunities with clubs abroad despite the country's rich pool of talent.The former Kenya Sevens international, who recently returned home after spending close to four seasons in France, says the lack of player representation and limited exposure in the 15-a-side game continue to hinder local players from making the leap to professional rugby overseas.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsAnami, who featured for French Federal 2 side Maisons-Laffitte, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and Poissy (MLSGP) after an earlier stint with Stade Caennais RC, believes stronger links between Kenyan rugby and overseas clubs would significantly improve players' chances of landing professional contracts."You will find that with rugby, we do not have that agency trying to help players get clubs abroad. That is the main problem, in terms of people to help us but we have a lot of talent and good players, but now the connection from Kenya to other countries is the main problem. If we close that gap, it is going to be easy for our players to get exposed and get the opportunities."##NAJAVA_MECA_9907075##He also believes Kenya's heavy emphasis on sevens rugby limits players' visibility to clubs abroad, most of which recruit athletes with strong 15s experience."Another thing is the test matches. Most clubs outside want 15s players, and in Kenya what we do most is 7s. If we get that playtime most of the time, it will help us expose our players and eventually get those clubs abroad."Despite returning to Kenya, Anami is yet to feature in this season's National Sevens Circuit as he awaits clearance from the Kenya Rugby Union. Former Kenya Lionesses star opens up on the beauty and challenges of motherhoodHowever, he was part of the Strathmore Leos side that won the Ruff n Tuff 7s title after defeating Nondies RFC 15-14 in the final at Ngong Racecourse, with the tournament serving as the curtain-raiser to the National Sevens Circuit.Anami's return to Strathmore marked a full-circle moment in a rugby journey that began in December 2012 when friends introduced him to the sport.Although football was initially his first love, his perspective changed while studying at St. Peter's Mumias after realizing rugby could earn him a scholarship and help ease his family's financial burden.Samuel Asati backs Kenya to benefit from inaugural Ultimate 7s exposureUnder the guidance of coaches Libondo Shimenga and Eric Chebutala, he blossomed into one of Kenya's most promising players, helping St. Peter's Mumias win both the National School Games Rugby Sevens title and the historic East Africa School Games Sevens crown.His performances earned him a move to Strathmore Leos through a scouting opportunity facilitated by Mitch Ocholla, alongside a scholarship to pursue a Commerce degree.During his first spell with the Leos, Anami won the Floodlit Varsity title in 2019 while claiming the tournament's Most Valuable Player and Top Try Scorer awards. He also played a key role in helping the university side earn promotion to the Kenya Cup and reach back-to-back Kenya Cup semi-finals before embarking on his successful stint in France.Amonde rules out legal action after KRU terminates Shujaa roleNow back in Kenya, the Simbas backrower hopes his overseas experience will help bridge the gap for future generations while advocating for better structures that can connect talented Kenyan players with professional clubs abroad.
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