Pursuit of glory! Kenya chasing the American dream

It’s all about revenge as Kenya launch their USA Sevens campaign in Las Vegas against Canada at 4.50am (Saturday night)) before meeting Argentina at 7.46am tomorrow.

The team that is currently in 12th in the World Rugby Sevens Series standing will then wrap up their Pool B assignments against pool favourites England.

Las Vegas won’t be easy keeping in mind that the team has lost to all their Pool B opponents this season with their 7-31 defeat to Argentina being the latest at the Pool stage in Wellington, a week ago.

However, they should find inspirations from Wellington Sevens where they reached their first Cup quarter-finals this season under new coach Felix Ochieng.

Kenya have succumbed to Canada thrice this season;  7-40 and 12-19;  in Shield finals in Gold Coast and Dubai respectively and 5-24 in bowl final at nelson Mandela Bay Sevens.

They lost to England 0-38 the last time they met at Dubai Sevens pool stage.

“Wellington was marked by remarkable improvement and that is why the team sailed through to the Cup quarters for the first time this season,” said former Kenya Seven skipper Humphrey Kayange, who has joined the team in the USA just to inspire them. “We need to pick the positives from the match and work on areas of weaknesses.”

Kayange, who is recovering from a leg surgery, said it’s up to the coach and the players to know where to refine ahead of Las Vegas. “A lot of improvement is needed but I don’t want to pre-empt the areas,” said Kayange.

Kenya collected 10 points to see them climb two places to 12th place with 21 points in the World Rugby Sevens Series as they battle for top 10 placing to avoid relegation next season.

The team will be without Mwamba’s Collins Injera, who has been replaced by Denis Muhanji of Kenya Harlequin in the fifth leg of the World Rugby Series. Muhanji last played for Kenya Sevens at Dubai and Nelson Mandela Bays Sevens where he made a return after four years.

Injera is back home after making a return at Wellington Sevens to be by his wife’s side as they expect their second child. “Yes, Collins plays a pivotal role on and off the pitch and his commitment to the cause is unquestionable.”

“We wish him well and look forward to having him back in training more motivated and as a proud father,” said Ochieng. Ochieng said Muhanji comes in at a time they wanted to maintain balance.

both technically and tactically without compromising on their deliverables. “It’s a fantastic opportunity and challenge for Muhanji for we believe he can contribute positively to our team goals,” said Ochieng.