Record scorer Injera, veterans axed by Shujaa boss Simiyu

Kenya national sevens team Shujaa Vice-captain Collins Injera and Nakuru RFC’s Oscar Ouma are the biggest casualties left out in the squad for the opening HSBC World Sevens tour of Dubai and South Africa named by head coach Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu.

Injera who played for his club Mwamba RFC over the weekend during the fourth round of Kenya Cup is also the all-time series top try scorer.

Kabras Sugar’s Dan Sikuta and Homeboyz’ Cyprian Kuto return to the team after missing out in the previous season while Brian Tanga (Kabras sugar) and Darwin Mukidza (KCB) are in line to make their World Series debuts.

Frank Wanyama, Willy Ambaka, Leonard Mugaisi, Augustine Lugonzo, Billy Odhiambo and Nelson Oyoo are retained from last season where the team won its first ever series round title in Singapore.

Mugaisi returns after recovering a hand injury suffered during the Vancouver 7s in Canada with the omissions of veterans that include Injera’s elder brother, Humphrey Kayange and Biko Adema coming after a prayer protest delayed the naming of the travelling party.

Kenya will take on Australia, France and Japan in Pool D of the season opening Dubai 7s.

The naming of the team came after the latest bonus row where players were claiming Ksh20m was settled when the Government committed to pay Ksh13m with Kenya Rugby Union footing the balance.

Shujaa finished seventh last season under former boss Benjamin Ayimba with Simiyu appointed in October to replace the man who led Kenya to the 2009 IRB World Cup Sevens  semi final after he reportedly fell out with the Union.

It will be his second assignment for the side after finishing second in the Invitational Saflands 7s in Namibia.

The teams leave for Dubai later Monday with the men’s team departing at 4.35pm before their female counterparts jet out at 11pm local time (+3GMT).

At the same time, Kevin Wambua unveiled his squad for the Dubai 7s Women’s International Invitational Category where they are in Pool B with Ireland, Belgium, Poland and Tribe 7s.

Grace Adhiambo and Linet Moraa are the two changes from the side that lost 21-17 to South Africa in the Africa Cup Sevens cup final in September.

KENYA SQUAD TO DUBAI

Dan Sikuta, Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Martin Owila, Andrew Amonde, Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Frank Wanyama, William Ambaka (SportPesa Quins),Leonard Mugaisi, Cyprian Kuto, Augustine Lugonzo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba), Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru).

Management: Innocent Simiyu (Head Coach), Ian Gibbons (S&C Coach), Lameck Bogonko (Physio), Erick Ogweno (Team Manager)

KENYA LIONESSES SQUAD
Philadelphia Olando, Catherine Abillah, Celestine Masinde, Doreen Remour,Grace Adhiambo, Janet Okello, Janet Owino, Stacy Awuor, Sinaida Aura, Linet Moraa, Sheila Chajira, Irene Otieno
Management: Kevin Wambua (Head Coach), Samuel Njogu ( S&C Coach), Ben Mahinda (Physio), Camilyne Oyuayo (Team Manager)