Having succeeded in qualifying for the Olympic stage, by winning the Africa Sevens tournament last month, the exciting African side now sees Kenya wishing to ‘Shine’ among the top guns of the HSBC Sevens World Series in 2015/16.
No stranger to the series, the Kenya national side are currently one of the 15 ‘core teams’ on the World Series with a guaranteed place in all ten events this season. That preferential status means fans around the world have high expectations, and the recently announced squad will not want to disappoint.
Kenya Wishing to Shine among the Top Guns
Third place at the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament was the pinnacle of success for this team. They have won the Bowl section of many tournaments but with a Golden reward on offer at the Summer Olympic Games in August, form and consistency throughout the World Series will be the goal for this proud African nation.
Kenya is in Pool D for the Dubai Sevens with England, Wales and Australia.
For the opening Dubai event, Collins Injera must lead the side in the absence of Andrew Amonde, Oscar Ayodi and Dennis Ombachi; the man who’s last gasp try against Zimbabwe helped his side qualify for Rio 2016, who are all unavailable.
“Oscar Ayodi has had exams all week, Andrew (Amonde) is busy arranging his sister’s funeral. We just want them to have a bit of rest mentally and physically, I want them back fresh after this tournament. We expect the new entrants to the squad to produce results given that we’ve got good senior players as well,” said Benjamin Ayimba (Head Coach)
Willy Ambaka and Oscar Ouma return to action for Kenya after finally reaching the selection criteria that had limited those players participation, and they will be joined by four debutants–Robert Aringo, Nelson Oyoo, Jeffrey Oluoch and Frank Wanyama.
Kenya’s loyal fans across the globe will be hoping that they can repeat the highs of 2009, and the players will need to reach new heights this season. The opening tournament of the World Series is the first test of a combined dream that has Kenya wishing to shine on the world stage.
Kenya squad to Dubai and Cape Town
Collins Injera (Mwamba) Captain, Biko Adema (Total Nondies) Willy Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin) Oscar Ouma (TopFry Nakuru) Billy Odhiambo (Pan Africa Strathmore Leos) Leonard Mugaisi, Augustine Lugonzo, Bush Mwale (Menengai Cream Homeboyz) Frank Wanyama (Kenya Harlequin) Jeffrey Oluoch (Menengai Cream Homeboyz) Robert Aringo (Resolution Impala Saracens) Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru)
Non traveling reserves: Eden Agero, Oscar Ayodi, Oscar Dennis
Shamiah names Lionesses squad
The Kenya Lionesses squad are to play in the Dubai Sevens International *Invitational Women’s Category, which is a mini-competition held alongside the Women’s World Series (proper)
Drawn in Pool C beside a Great Britain Select team, Colombia and Tokyo Phoenix. they will want to treat this as a development step in that sides ambitions of meeting the high standards required for Olympic qualification, and possible future participation in the 12-team World Series.
Head Coach Mike Shamiah said “ We have made one change from the side that did duty at the Olympic qualifiers in September. Camilla Cynthia makes her debut, coming in for Sinaida Aura who is injured. We have quality opposition in our pool, in the likes of the strong Great Britain Selection and Colombia. “
“This tournament will be a good build up in our preparations for the Olympic repechage and we intend to put our best foot forward in Dubai.”
Kenya Lionesses squad to Dubai
Catherine Abila (captain) Camilyn Oyuayo, Philadelphia Olando, Celestine Masinde, Irene Otieno, Rachel Mbogo, Sheila Chajira, Janet Owino, Janet Akello, Linet Moraa, Laventer Oguta, Camila Cynthia.
- This section comprises invited women’s teams made up of highly competitive players who compete at international/county/provincial standard [courtesy of the Dubai Sevens website]
____________________________________________________
The HSBC Sevens Series begins on the 4th-5th of December in Dubai, UAE. Follow all the Sevens action on Last Word On Sport with Jovilisi Waqa, Kyle Willougby and Scott Hornell.
“Main photo”
