Kenya Sevens Head Coach Benjamin Ayimba has named an experienced squad to fight for their spot to Rio in this weekends African Olympic Sevens Qualifier, to be held at Barnard Stadium, Johannesburg on the 14-15 of November. Boosted by the return of hardman Willy Ambaka the side looks to stamp their mark this weekend. The South African based Ambaka who last featured in the 2012/13 season of the World Sevens Series bring with him power, pace and experience that will compliment the likes of captain Andrew Amonde, speedster Collins Injera, Biko Adema and Dennis Ombachi who returns after a shoulder injury.
Ayimba has also included debutants Frank Wanyama and Jefferey Oluoch. Niggling injuries keep Humphery Kayange and Bush Mwale out of the Qualifiers while Oscar Ouma was not available for training.
Kenya heads Pool A with Madagascar, Mauritius and Senegal. Pool B features Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria and Uganda. Pool C comprises of the two Northern African teams in Morocco and Tunisia.
“Everybody is going to come hard at Kenya, but we are well prepared. We have a team that is the best we can ask for as a technical bench. We are fired up….the incentive is to qualify for the Olympics.” coach Benjamin Ayimba
The Asian Qualifier has laid the platform, showcasing some great talents and eye opening rugby which is a glimpse of what is yet to come and we expect a gruelling African and Oceania qualifier this weekend as all the teams are eyeing that one automatic spot, this tournament will showcase the best Africa has to offer. The second, third and fourth team in this weekends qualifier has a chance to qualify to Rio in the repechage tournament to be held later in June.
Kenya Squad:
Andrew Amonde (KCB, Captain), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Jefferey Oluoch (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Eden Agero (Kenya Harlequins), Biko Adema (Total Nondies), Augustine Lugonzo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), William Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin), Oscar Ayodi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Dennis Ombachi (Mwamba), Frank Wanyama (Kenya Harlequin), Leonard Mugaisi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Billy Odhiambo (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos)
Head Coach: Benjamin Ayimba, Assistant Coach: Paul Murunga, S&C: Geoffrey Kimani, Physio: Lameck Bogonko, Team Manager: Newton Ong’alo
Meanwhile the Kenya team knows their biggest threat is Zimbabwe and the Cheetahs are out to take the Kenyans to task. They have named a strong 16-man squad to represent them this weekend. Returning to the fold is experienced winger Manasah Sita, the German based player has been included by Head Coach Daniel Hondo to end his three-year absence from Cheetahs squad and is eager to make the most of it. The 29 year old had a fruitful season with with Rugby-Bundesliga side TV Pforzheim and joined compatriot Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, the pair steered TV Pforzheim to a place in the final, where they came second best to Heidelberger.
“Just the atmosphere of being with the boys is something I had missed and i’m glad to be back” Manasah Sita told NewsDay Sport from his base in Germany
Cape Town loose forward Tapiwa Tsomondo, backs Shayne Makombe, Riaan O’Neill and Laenience Tambwera are the other returnee to the Cheetahs. Young Takudzwa Francisco who featured at the Safari Sevens in Nairobi in September and Safland Windhoek Sevens in Namibiahas retained his place in the squad while newly appointed captain misses out due to injury which leaves his predecessor Jacques Leitao to act in his absence.
Zimbabwe Squad:
Jacques Leitao, Kuda Chiwanza, Njabulo Ndlovu, Kilvan Magunje, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Stephan Hunduza, Graham Kaulback, Tapiwa Tsomondo, Manasah Sita, Mkhululi Ndhlela, Takudzwa Fransisco, Boyd Rouse, Lenience Tambwera, Shayne Makombe, Biselele Tshamala, Riaan O’Neill.
