Ouma replaces Ambaka in 7s side for Games

Nakuru’s loose forward Oscar Ouma has replaced injured winger William Ambaka in the Kenya Sevens rugby team for the Commonwealth Games.

Ambaka - who is based in France - has not been able to heal fully after he sprained his ankle two weeks ago while training with Kenya 15s team in Laikipia ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

Coach Paul Treu said Ouma is a worthy replacement as they aim for gold at the event due July 23 to August 3 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Eighth man Martin Owila, also of Nakuru, is the only newcomer in the team after he also made his debut with the 15s team at the 2015 RWC qualifier in Madagascar.

“We are going for victory at Glasgow Games,” said Treu. Kenya defeated Samoa 12-10, Malaysia 40-0 and Papua New Guinea 38-17 to reach the Cup quarters at 2010 Delhi Games. However, they lost to eventual gold medal winners Australia 27-5 in the Cup quarters.

TABLE TENNIS

In other development, the national table tennis team is banking on a favourable draw to break to the medal bracket in Glasgow.

Kenya’s best ever show was at the 2002 Manchester Games where the team of the current head coach Fahd Daim, Victor Ouko and Parit Shah reached the quarter-finals. 

Anthony Mathenge, Michael Owuor and Peter Theuri will represent Kenya in the men’s event while Della Njani, Jinita Shah and Sejal Thankkar in the women’s events.

“Chances of an improved show are high because I have a young and hungry team that is ready for the world,” said Mathenge.

“We hope the draw favours us,” said 40-year-old Mathenge, who competed at the 2012 Delhi and 2006 Melbourne Games.

Team Kenya captain Ezekiel Kemboi and his deputy Mercy Obiero received the national flag from cabinet secretary for sports Hassan Wario, who promised to reward medallists. The team has 195 athletes and 76 officials.