Rugby
Tug-of-war over national 7s team
File | Nation Kenya’s Victor Oduor (right) battles with New Zealand’s Ben Souness during their quarter-final match at the Emirates Airlines Dubai Sevens on December 5 last year. Oduor’s exclusion from the team to this year’s Dubai 7s has raised a storm.
Posted Monday, November 29 2010 at 21:00
In Summary
- Ayimba stands his ground on squad choices, saying they have the best players and their decision is final
The national Sevens team selectors on Monday resigned in a huff as the Kenya team left for the opening legs of the IRB World Sevens Series in Dubai and George.
They are Impala RFC head coach Bill Githinji (chairman), former Kenya Harlequin coach Thomas Odundo and Nondescripts assistant coach, Paul Odera.
The three coaches said they were overlooked in the selection of the team for the Dubai and George Sevens.
“We don’t know what exactly is happening between the union and head coach Benjamin Ayimba since no one told us anything,” said Odera.
Ayimba dismissed allegations
They claimed that some players who were not in the original pool of 24 were picked, contrary to criteria.
“This means we are unable to fulfil our mandate in squad selection. After careful consideration of the current environment, and the events of the last four weeks, we hereby resign with immediate effect,” they said in a Press statement.
Controversy began following the surprise inclusion of Nakuru’s Edwin Shimenga and the surprise exclusion of Quins’ Victor Oduor in the team.
But Ayimba said the team picked was the best and dismissed allegations that it was weak.
“People can say anything but that is the final team. It’s a blend of experience and youth. I have brought in several youngsters like David Ambunya and Patrice Agunda in view of building a future side,” said Ayimba.
“Shimenga brings in experience, power and grits to wade off opposition in Dubai.”
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