Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
William Njuguna
10 May 2011
Harlequins flanker Victor Oduor and Impala’s Brian Nyikuli have been recalled to the Kenya Seven team for the IRB legs slated for London and Edinburgh later this month.
Announcing the squad yesterday, coach Benjamin Ayimba said Oduor has been in fine form for Harlequins as they won the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup. Nyikuli has been outstanding for Impala in the league and the coach wanted the duo to add physicality and strength to the side, particularly against the top sides in the event.
“This two players are adding grunt to the side as we have very difficult pools in both legs. We have missed the physicality and their tackling and their return will boost the team in the next two tournaments,” noted Ayimba. Ayimba termed the London leg favourable with Kenya expected to face New Zealand, Wales, and Spain from May 21-22. “New Zealand are the team to beat. We have played with them twice and lost. We have beaten Wales this season hence we have nothing to fear. We have a chance of getting to the quarter-finals in London,” he added. Kenya then face a tough test in Edinburgh, where they face Australia, South Africa and Canada a week later
Strathmore’s Felix Ayange and Mwamba’s Dennis Ombachi earned their first call-ups to Shujaa but are listed in the non-travelling reserves in the squad that will hold their first training session on Saturday at Nairobi’s Brooke House grounds. Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Mwangi Muthee said plans are underway to make the sport professional next season.”We want to put proper terms of reference for the players, who will be results oriented. The players must earn money from the sport for them to be motivated and that is the only way we shall achieve the results we all desire,” said the KRU boss. Sports Minister Paul Otuoma will accompany the team to the event in London
KRU boss added: “The minister travelling with the team is a statement from Government of its commitment to the team’s standing and it’s up to the boys to make him proud.”
Team: Humphrey Kayange (captain), Lavin Asego, Collins Injera (Mwamba); Victor Oduor, Sidney Ashioya, Leon Odongo, William Ambaka (Harlequin); Oscar Ouma, Gibson Weru (Nakuru), Brian Nyikuli (Impala) and Andrew Amonde (KCB).
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