Kayange, Amonde in Kenya 7s squad for NZ, Australia tour
Kenya Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba (left) confers with captain Andrew Amonde before addressing the Press on January 19, 2015 when he named his squad for Wellington and Sydney Sevens legs at RFUEA ground. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Ayimba also recalled former skipper Humphrey Kayange and current captain Andrew Amonde for the third and fourth legs of the World Sevens Series.
- Both players missed the opening legs in Dubai and Cape Town in December.
- Ayimba said Kayange and Amonde bring back the element of maturity to the team.
- The team departs for New Zealand on Sunday.
Nakuru RFC half-back Donald Otieno is set to debut for Kenya Sevens as head coach Benjamin Ayimba blended youth and experience in his squad for the Wellington and Sydney Sevens.
Ayimba also recalled former skipper Humphrey Kayange and current captain Andrew Amonde for the third and fourth legs of the World Sevens Series.
Both players missed the opening legs in Dubai and Cape Town in December.
Wellington Sevens is due January 30 to 31 in New Zealand followed by Sydney Sevens on February 6 to 7 in Australia.
Amonde was exempted from Dubai and Cape Town following the death of his sister while Kayange, who also missed the Safari Sevens and 2016 Rio Olympic qualifiers, has been battling to regain form.
“Oluoch has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is mature for the big stage. You can never ignore when someone raises him arm to soar above the rest,” said Ayimba, who acknowledged facing a nightmare in coming up with his last squad of 12 players. “This is the best squad ever that oozes youth and experience.”
Ayimba said Kayange and Amonde bring back the element of maturity to the team. “They are great team leaders and playmakers you can’t miss in a team,” explained Ayimba. “They will boost the team with their astute ball carrying and attacking skills.”
Ayimba noted that the players who have been left out are not necessarily injured hence will be considered for the next legs.
“I have adopted a rotational selection in view of the long season that has 10 events in the World Series and the Rio Olympics,” said Ayimba adding that it’s his intention to include a new player in every new outing. “The four debutants in the two opening legs scored 11 tries and that is incredible.”
Nakuru’s Nelson Oyoo is the only player who has been retained from the pool of four, who made debut in Dubai and Cape Town. Frank Wanyama (Quins), Jeffery Oluoch (Homeboyz) and Robert Aringo (Impala) won’t make the tour this time around.
Others who have been left out are Leonard Mugaisi and Augustine Lugonzo from Homeboyz as Eden Agero (Quins), who was on reserve list for Dubai and Cape Town, got the node this time.
Aringo, Mugaisi and Alvin Otieno (Homeboyz) are the non-travelling reserves.
Ayimba said even though they will not underestimate their opponents New Zealand, his charges are looking forward to topping the pool. “The pool looks favourable but every team will want to get out of the danger zone early,” said Ayimba. “We know what Australians and the Canadians can do and we can’t take Portugal lightly.”
The team departs for New Zealand on Sunday.
SQUAD
Andrew Amonde (KCB, captain), Collins Injera (Mwamba, vice-captain), Oscar Ouma (Nakuru), Humphrey Kayange (Mwamba), Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru), Biko Adema (Nondescripts), William Ambaka (Harlequin), Oscar Ayodi (Homeboyz), Eden Agero (Harlequin), Billy Odhiambo ( Strathmore Leos), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Donald Aluoch (Nakuru) Non-travelling reserves: Robert Aringo (Impala Saracens), Leonard Mugaisi (Homeboyz), Alvin Otieno (Homeboyz).
Management: Benjamin Ayimba (Head coach), Paul Murunga (assistant coach), Geoffrey Kimani (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Lameck Bogonko (Physio), Newton Ong’alo (Team Manager).
