Relief as Kenya Sevens duo resumes training

Former skippers Andrew Amonde and Eden Agero are up for selection when head coach Paul Murunga names his Kenya Sevens squad for the Hong Kong and Singapore legs of the World Sevens Series.

The duo are among six players who returned to training Tuesday last week, having boycotted training in protest over slashed salaries.

Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank), who has missed the last six legs while Agero (Kenya Harlequin), captained the team in the opening legs of Dubai and Cape Town before also opting to stay away.

Others who resumed training are Dan Sikuta (Kabras Sugar, Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru), Jeff Oluoch and Augustine Logonzo (Homeboyz).

REFUSED TO START TRAINING

Some 16 senior players refused to start training after the Union scaled their salaries with those who used to earn between Sh170,000 and Sh145,000 last season, now getting below Sh10,000.

However, Collins Injera (Mwamba), William Ambaka (Quins), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba) and Dennis Ombachi (Nondies), who briefly returned to training on Tuesday last week have since stayed away. Others are Oscar Ayodi, who is yet to train either with Kenya Sevens of his Homeboyz side, Oscar Ouma (Nakuru), Leonard Mugaisi (Homeboyz), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar) and Samuel Oliech (Impala Saracens).

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) struck a truce with the senior Kenya Sevens players on a return to work formula.

However, the players, who trained on Tuesday last week with the rest of the team, threatened not to continue training until they are given their appointment letters.

Murunga, who has had 26 players in training, welcomed their return saying that their experience will boost his charge in the remaining four legs of the Series.

“Oyoo, Oluoch and Lugonzo had started training way before the Union struck the return-to-work deal with the players,” said Murunga. “It’s good to have them since their experience will bring in some good aspect to the game.”

Just above relegation

Murunga will be without his skipper Jacob Ojee (KCB), who is sitting his examinations and Brian Wandera, Cyprian Kuto, Brian Wahinya and Herman Humwa, who are all injured.

However, Murunga is happy with the return to form for injured Daniel Taabu and Charles Omondi.

“I had seven injuries from the previous legs in Las Vegas and Canada,” noted Murunga.

Kenya, who are just a place above relegation, face defending champions Fiji, New Zealand and Australia in Pool “C” of the Hong Kong Sevens from April 5 to 7 before Singapore Sevens on April 13 and 14.

Kenya reached the Cup final in Hong Kong, losing to Fiji 24-12 and lost to New Zealand 17-7 in the semi-final for the fifth place in Singapore.

Kenya’s performance in the 2018/2-19 IRB World Sevens Series:

1. Dubai Sevens- 14th

2. South Africa Sevens - 13th

3. New Zealand Sevens - 10th

4. Sydney Sevens - 15th

5. USA Sevens - 11th

6. Canada Sevens - 15th

7. Hong Kong Sevens (Hong Kong Stadium) April 5–7;

8. Singapore Sevens (National Stadium) April 13-14;

9. London Sevens (Twickenham Stadium) May 25-26;

10. Paris Sevens (Stade Jean-Bouin) June 1-2.

Position: Overall 14th with 18 points.