Engineering student Wilson Kopondo and former national Sevens captain Innocent Simiyu, currently the captain of the 15-a-side team, have been recalled into the Kenya Sevens set-up to compete at the upcoming Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai on 5-7 March.
The pair replace Brian Nyikuli, Allan Onyango and Joshua Gathumbi from the squads that competed at the NZI Sevens in Wellington and the USA Sevens in San Diego recently.
Simiyu makes his first Sevens outing of the season, having missed the opening four tournaments of the IRB Sevens World Series, but coach Benjamin Ayimba is confident that his inclusion can only benefit the team's chances.
“There is no substitute for experience and Simiyu also has very good leadership qualities to supplement that of Humphrey Kayange the captain,” said Ayimba.
With powerful forward Dennis Mwanja out injured, the inclusion of Kopondo adds beef to the ball-winning effort. Although he missed the last two World Series tournaments in New Zealand and USA because of examinations, he was involved earlier in the season.
“He has youthful vigour and has proved himself on the bigger stage,” said Ayimba.
Brimming with confidence
With victories against New Zealand, Wales, Samoa, England and South Africa already this year on the global circuit, and a current ranking of sixth in the world, Ayimba is aiming for the ultimate achievement in Dubai.
“I have said from the beginning of the season that Kenya will win the World Cup but it appears that message has not sunk in,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see how the players who have been called up make the change to seven-a-side rugby in a very short time.”
Kenya has been drawn in a tough Pool alongside England, Tunisia and Hong Kong, but captain Kayange says they are setting their targets high: “We have set our eyes on topping the pool to avoid any complications,” he said.
The team assembled by Ayimba comprises four former captains, namely the current incumbent Kayange, Lavin Asego, Simiyu and Sydney Ashioya.
Kenya RWC Sevens squad: Humphrey Kayange (Mwamba RFC, Captain), Allan Onyango, Sidney Ashioya (Kenya Harlequin FC), Victor Oduor, Horace Otieno, Collins Injera, Lavin Asego (Mwamba RFC), Wilson Kopondo (Mean Machine), Benedict Nyambu, Biko Adema (Nondescripts RUFC), Innocent Simiyu (Impala RFC), Gibson Weru (Nakuru RFC, vice captain)
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