Flexible Sudi returns to Shujaa after two years

After an absence of nearly two years, Kenya Harlequin FC utility back Victor Sudi has returned to the national seven-a-side team. Sudi has been named in the Shujaa team, which is due to fly out on Sunday for the last two tournaments of the 2008/2009 International Rugby Board Sevens World Series in England and Scotland.

Coincidentally, Sudi made his last appearance during the 2006/2007 IRB Sevens World Series in London and Edinburgh. The player sustained a knee injury in a Kenya Cup match against Nakuru and was out for the rest of the 2007 season before making a comeback in the victorious Kenya team that clinched the Safari Sevens title in June 2008.

“It is good to be back to the team, but it is at the same time challenging because of the high profile. I just have to raise my game to their level,” Sudi admitted. Coach Benjamin Ayimba commented that Sudi’s flexibility offered more options on the pitch because he can be deployed as a forward or in the backs.

“He is a powerful runner and a good ball carrier,” the coach noted. Alan Onyango, who has been doubtful because of job commitments, has also been called up for the UK tour. The indefatigable Harlequin utility player is a line breaker anytime.

“This is good news because Allan is the kind of player who gets many things done,” Ayimba observed. Also returning to the national team is Brian Nyikuli, who captained the Junior Shujaa team to a semi-final place in last week’s Tangier Sevens in Morocco.

“I am back with a bang and keen to maintain my position in the team,” Nyikuli said. The rest of the squad remains intact, with Humphrey Kayange as captain.

Strongest sides

Sasha Mutai, the Kenya Rugby Football Union director in charge of Sevens rugby who named the team yesterday, admitted this was one of the strongest sides Kenya will be taking to the UK in recent times. “We expect to make it to the final in both tournaments,” he added.

The squad: Humphrey Kayange (captain), Victor Oduor, Collins Injera, Horace Otieno, Lavin Asego (Mwamba), Sidney Ashioya, Victor Sudi, Allan Onyango (Kenya Harlequin FC), Biko Adema, Benedict Nyambu (Nondescripts RUFC), Brian Nyikuli (Impala), Gibson Weru (vice-captain, Nakuru RFC)

Officials: Oscar Osir (team manager), Benjamin Ayimba (coach), Felix Ochieng (assistant coach), George Odhiambo (physiotherapist), Geoffrey Kimani (sprint coach)