Kenya Sevens head coach Innocent Simiyu has named five debutantes as the side braces for the two legs of the 2021 HSBC World Series in Vancouver and Edmonton.
The five players are; Timothy Mmasi, Derrick Keyoga, Mark Kwemoi, Alvin Marube, and Levi Amunga, who has been knocking on the door in recent seasons.
Commenting on their selection as he begins life without seasoned veterans – including the likes of Andrew Amonde who retired after the Tokyo Olympics and all time try scorer Collins Injera who is not in the wider squad – Simiyu said, “We are looking towards the Commonwealth and World Cup and this is the starting point for us.”
Five debutantes for HSBC World Series opener
He also spoke about the side’s preparations and goals for the upcoming HSBC World Series season, saying, “Our key focus in the first two tournaments is to get our game going and start hitting those performance targets early enough in the season.
“If we can be able to play in the quarters and semis, it will be a very big plus in this journey that is heading towards the Commonwealth Games and World Cup,” he concluded.
12-team HSBC World Series men’s event will take place, alongside a women’s Fast Four tournament, at BC Place in Vancouver on September 18-19.
We're just over a week away, Vancouver! ⏰
Check out the confirmed pools and match schedule for this year's HSBC Canada Sevens event! 🍁
Details 👉 https://t.co/d7Y55xNZac#Canada7s | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/3J1ERfUFD4
— HSBC Canada Sevens (@CanadaSevens) September 10, 2021
Kenya is in Pool C, alongside 2020 series runners up South Africa, Spain, and invitational side Mexico.
Kenya squad to Canada: Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru,captain), Jeff Oluoch, Alvin Otieno Homeboyz), Timothy Mmasi (MMUST), Herman Humwa(Kenya Harlequib), Harold Anduvati (Menengai Oilers), Willy Ambaka (Narvskaya Zastava Rugby Club, Russia), Daniel Taabu (Mwamba), Mark Kwemoi (Menengai Oilers), Levi Amunga (KCB), Billy Odhiambo(Mwamba), Derrick Keyoga (Menengai Oilers), Alvin Marube (Impala Saracens)
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Originally intended as a five-leg finish to the 2021 calendar, unfortunately, popular events like Hong Kong, Paris, Sydney, and New Zealand were postponed until the new year. Now, Singapore, and host of the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens host nation South Africa is now unable to safely participate in this year’s schedule.
So expect the two remaining Canadian tournaments to be a spectacular demonstration of the excitement and high-paced game, where teams like Kenya will display all their amazing skills.
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