The team announcements continue, with one of the leading sides joining many others this week. 2016 Singapore Men’s Sevens champions, as well as the only African women’s team at Rio, Kenya have come out with strong Kenyan Rugby Sevens Olympic squads announced, to ‘go for gold’ in August.
The men will certainly challenge, while the Lionesses will make history and grow from this tournament. They do not have the proud recent history of the men, but be sure that the women will fight hard for success in Rio de Janiero.
Strong Kenyan Rugby Sevens Squads Announced
Andrew Amonde and Catherine Abilla will captain Kenya’s men’s and women’s teams respectively at Rio 2016. Each have the best expectations, as the Men will be Pool C, beside a real heavyweight in New Zealand. A long history between these sides, look forward to a pitched-battle when these two meet at Deodoro Stadium. They will also challenge Japan and the composite side Great Britain.
The women have emerged out of the Africa Olympic qualification process. With South Africa initially claiming the top place, their Olympic Committee declined to put forward a team. This allowed the Lionesses to proudly be named as one of 12 women’s teams to compete at Rio. They face Pool B opponents New Zealand, France and Spain. Possibly hoping for the best result against Spain, the women competed in one leg of the HSBC Women’s Sevens Series and are the better for that experience.
#RoadToRio we not only carry the hopes & expectations of a nation, but of the entire African continent. – Kate Abila pic.twitter.com/lcjfwxATVt
— Kenya Lioness (@kenyalioness) June 29, 2016
Team Kenya have thrown the full support behind both teams. The men have the better chance, but this is an Olympic competition, so every side will hope to peak. The nation is proud of their sports history. Rugby Sevens can now add to that. And in a nation with so many issues, sports success brings smiles to the faces of fans worldwide.
Benjamin Ayimba said while the men’s team will be targeting the gold medal, the realistic target for the women’s side will be a place in the quarter finals. A top eight place for the women will see them gain entry into the coveted world series. For them, a medal would bring national pride and a 2016/2017 standing on the world circuit.
Kenya men seen as a ‘Dark Horse’
Others may call them a ‘dark horse’ but Last Word On Sports will proudly call them challengers. The golden dream will run strong within the camp, so expect the Benjamin Ayimba to have his men on form. Amonde is the leading try scorer in Sevens and will be the ‘director’ of the side. He will be well supported by his Humphrey Kayange in Rio. Kayange was part of the delegation that successfully stated rugby sevens’ case for inclusion to the International Olympic Committee back in October 2009.
A mix of youth and experience, they will have many key skills: tough workers at the breakdown especially. They tackle hard, and often in pairs. Turning over the ball is the most important skillset today, as is retaining possession. The big, tough African’s will not be pushed over by any side. And then the speed out wide will prove critical.
Dennis Ombachi struggled all season with fitness and is lucky to finally make that cut, as he was overlooked all season due to that. While he scored the last-gasp winning try for Kenya in their crucial Olympic qualifier against Zimbabwe, he will need to make up for lost time. Biko Adema has fought his way back into the team with the others who made the 12-player cut, including Oscar Ouma and Willy Ambaka (pictured) Also, Bush Mwale. Samuel Oilech and Billy Odhiambo will be their lethal arsenal in Rio, due to their flair and speed.
Road to Rio
The men have a very proud history, with success on the International stage. Semi finalists at the 2009 and 2013 Sevens Rugby World Cup. Those accomplishments will help them in the knock-out type of game. Played over three days, the high-tempo nature suits the African team.
The biggest success of their last HSBC Sevens Series was the Singapore Sevens round. Comfortably beating eventual champions Fiji 7-30, it was the highlight of their year. The final standings only saw them reach seventh place, but all hopes are now concentrated on Rio. If they can mirror the elite road and track athletes success, they will be welcomed home as national heroes.
Men’s squad: Pool C
Biko Adema, Willie Ambaka, Andrew Amonde (captain), Oscar Ayodi, Collins Injera, Humphrey Kayange, Augustine Lugonzo, Bush Mwale, Billy Odhiambo, Samuel Oliech, Dennis Ombachi, Oscar Ouma
Kenya women will play for the pride of Africa
The women are one of the least experienced sides, but no doubt will be highly motivated. Ayimba has been asked to become involved, to generate more match awareness. A good move, as Catherine Abilla will benefit from the support. They gained an immense amount of confidence while competing at the Clermont-Ferrand Sevens, in France. A good grounding now will enable the women to express themselves during the tournament in August.
Ayimba said it was unfortunate that there is a feeling that the women’s team was seen as merely traveling to make up the numbers. “I’m happy that the women’s team has stepped up, although it will not be easy. But we have seen a lot of improvement in the last fortnight,” Ayimba said.
Women’s team manager Sarah Otieno said though underrated, the side could cause upsets. “We appreciate the support we have received from Ayimba and this is a development team but we want to make ourselves better,” she said. “We are not taking the criticisms as attacks. We will rise. We are going for the best in Rio.”
Women’s squad: Pool B
Catherine Abilla (captain), Linet Arasa, Sheila Chajira, Celestine Masinde, Rachael Mbogo, Janet Okelo, Philadelphia Olando, Irene Otieno, Stacy Otieno, Janet Owino, Camilyne Oyuayo, Doreen Remour.
“Main photo credit”
