Shujaa, Lionesses Olympic squads named

The Shujaa and Lionesses squads that will represent Kenya at the Tokyo Olympics have been named.

Andrew Amonde captains Shujaa and is one of four survivors from the squad that did duty at the Rio Olympics in 2016 where they finished 11th overall. Also returning for their second Olympic appearances are Collins Injera, Billy Odhiambo and Willy Ambaka.

Commenting after unveiling the squad, Head Coach Innocent Simiyu said, “The selection was tough as all the boys put in the work. We are happy to have a few experienced players fit and back into the fold.Our key target is getting out of the pool. Our first pool game will set the standard for our performance in Tokyo.”

The men’s rugby sevens competition in Tokyo will run from 26th to 28th July and Shujaa are in Pool C of the 12 team competition alongside South Africa, USA and Ireland.

Meanwhile,  team captain  Philadelphia Olando is one of three survivors from the squad that played at the Rio Olympics in 2016, the others being Sheila Chajira and Janet Okello as the Lionesses seek to navigate their way out of Pool A where they will face New Zealand, Russia and Great Britain.

Oloo gave an insight into squad selection, saying, “We based our selection criteria on attendance, discipline, medical assessment, player fitness as well as understanding of the game and positional roles each player has. This is what guided our selection of the final 13 players.”

“We also have a few players missed out on the selection because they are yet to recover from injuries picked up in previous tournaments.”

With the Lionesses drawn against New Zealand, Russia and Great Britain, Oloo said, “I am very excited to play against the greatest teams in the world at the Olympics, much as we are the underdogs, we plan to play to win. We shall give our best and let character win the day when we take on to the pitch. We ask our fans back home to support us throughout the tournament.”

Shujaa Olympic squad

Andrew Amonde (KCB, Captain), Alvin Otieno (Homeboyz), Vincent Onyala (KCB), Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Daniel Taabu (Mwamba), Willy Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin), Johnstone Olindi (KCB), Eden Agero (Kenya Harlequin), Jeffrey Oluoch (Homeboyz), Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba)

 NON TRAVELLING RESERVES:

Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Derrick Keyoga (Menengai Oilers), Dennis Ombachi (Nondescripts) MANAGEMENT: Innocent Simiyu (Coach), Anthony Muchiri (Assistant Coach), Lamch Francis (Medic), Erick Ogweno (Manager)

Lionesses Olympic Squad

Philadelphia Olando (Northern Suburbs, Captain),Sheila Chajira (Homeboyz), Stellah Wafula (Impala Saracens), Christabel Lindo (Impala Saracens), Leah Wambui (Homeboyz), Judith Auma (Homeboyz), Vivian Akumu (Top Fry Nakuru), Sarah Oluche (Mwamba), Grace Adhiambo (Top Fry Nakuru), Cynthia Atieno (Homeboyz), Janet Okello (Mwamba), Sinaida Aura (Northern Suburbs), Diana Awino (Impala)

NON TRAVELLING RESERVE

Enid Ouma (Homeboyz) MANAGEMENT: Felix Oloo (Coach), Samuel Njogu (Assistant Coach), Ben Mahinda (Medic), Camilyne Oyuayo (Manager)

Courtesy – KRU