Ayodi joins speedster Injera and Odhiambo in the treatment room
Barely a month after Oscar Ayodi was named the captain of the Kenya Sevens team, he has sustained a cartilage injury and will be out for the next three legs of the rugby series.
In an Interview with Citizen Digital, Ayodi confirmed the injury set back but is optimistic he will be back stronger, and in time for the Commonwealth and World Cup games.
“Yes, I sustained a cartilage injury before the festive season and the team doctor advised that I take a rest so that I can be fit enough before the Commonwealth Games,” Ayodi said.
Apart from Sydney Sevens slated for January 26-28, Ayodi will not be available for the Vancouver, Las Vegas and Hong Kong World Sevens Series.
His void, however, will be filled by his predecessor Andrew Amonde who is fit and ready to rumble again after missing out in the first two rounds of the circuit.
Ayodi is positive Amonde will bring in the experience and power needed in the next three rounds.
“I believe Andrews’ comeback will have an impact on the team that is trying different combinations so as to achieve our set goals,” Ayodi noted.
The Homeboyz RFC centre has been instrumental for the national team with remarkable performances against top teams like Fiji and New Zealand.
Ayodi, however, is not shaken by the rate at which key national sevens players are picking injuries. “I don’t think that’s (injury) an issue to focus on right now. That’s the nature of this game and I believe given time the injured will be fit and ready before the Commonwealth and World Cup respectively,” Ayodi added.
Amonde, who had a hernia injury last year has returned to full training and the KCB flanker will be in contention for a spot in head coach Innocent Simiyu’s squad for the third and fourth rounds of the global Sevens Circuit in Sydney and Hamilton.
Amonde’s return serves as a timely boost for the Shujaa as they step up preparations. However, top try scorer and winger Collins Injera and Billy Odhiambo but are not expected back until the fifth and sixth rounds.
Sydney Sevens is set for January 26-28 in Australia before the core teams head to Hamilton New Zealand a week later.
Kenya remains 11th in the series standings with 13 points after collecting 10 points in Dubai 7’s and three points in Cape Town 7’s.
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