Benjamin Ayimba makes changes for Hong Kong and Singapore series

Homeboyz burly utility back Alvin Otieno is well in line to make his World Rugby Sevens Series debut for Kenya at the Hong Kong and Singapore legs respectively.

Head coach Benjamin Ayimba named the 21-year-old former Western Bulls player as he made four changes to his squad that sees the return of three players.

Kenya Harlequin centre Frank Wanyama, Nakuru winger Nelson Oyoo and Robert “Majei” Aringo, Impala Saracens scrum-half, make a return replacing Leonard Mugaisi (Homeboyz), Oscar Ouma (Nakuru), Billy Odhiambo (Strathmore Leos) and Dennis Ombachi (Mwamba), who are out with injuries.

Hong Kong Sevens is due on April 8 to 10 and Singapore Sevens from April 16 to 17.

The going will not be any easier for Kenya Sevens after they were handed two teams that beat them in Vancouver, the previous leg of the series.

Kenya are in Pool “A” where they face Samoa and France who beat them 19-16 and 21-24 in the preliminary and Bowl quarterfinals respectively at Canada Sevens.

The pool also has New Zealand, who claimed their third title, winning Canada Sevens after Wellington and Sydney.

Ayimba described Otieno as one of the best wing/centre in the country and hopes that he will be able to raise to the occasion at the big stage.

“His speed and agility should bring excitement to the side,” Ayimba said. “I can’t wait to see how he will play alongside Wanyama and Sammy Oliech.”

Ayimba, who said his emphasis and focus was on the forthcoming Olympic Games, explained that his inclusion of at least a new player in every leg is in line with his endeavour to exposes the players.

“The inclusion of more youngsters is to bring in more fire and create excitement,” said Ayimba.

Otieno acknowledged the huge challenge but said he was up to the task. He said Kenya Sevens were capable of winning a leg before the end of this season’s Series.

“It’s a dream come true for me…I can say my prayers have been answered, having knocked on Kenya Sevens doors for some time now,” said Otieno, who featured for Kenya Shujaa at Safari Sevens last year. “I thank God and Kenya Sevens technical bench for this opportunity.”

Otieno hopes to uphold the standards and raise his profile to rival some of his favourite players like Humphrey Kayange and Collins Injera.

Otieno, who made his Kenya 15s debut at the Elgon Cup last year, started playing rugby in class seven at Moi Forces Academy before joining Mukumu Boys and later Kakamega High School where he sat his KCSE exams in 2013.

WORST OUTING

Otieno also played for Western Bulls while still at Kakamega High School.

Kenya managed just a one point at Vancouver Sevens, there worst performance this season.

SQUAD

Andrew Amonde (KCB, Captain), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Humphrey Kayange (Mwamba), Biko Adema (Nondescripts), Oscar Ayodi (Homeboyz), Augustine Lugonzo (Homeboyz), William Ambaka (Harlequin), Frank Wanyama (Harlequin), Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru), Robert Aringo (Impala Saracens), Samuel Oliech (Impala Saracens), Alvin Otieno (Homeboyz)

Non travelling reserves: Samuel Motari (Impala Saracens), Alex Olaba (Strathmore Leos)

Management: Benjamin Ayimba (head coach), Paul Murunga (assistant coach), Geoffrey Kimani (strength & conditioning coach), Lameck Bogonko ( physiotherapist), Newton Ong’alo (team manager)