Simiyu hints Commonwealth squad to be named next week

Kenya sevens head coach Innocent Simiyu has refuted reports claiming that the rugby squads for the April Commonwealth Games have already been named.

His remarks come days after the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) issued a statement discrediting a list of 24 circulating on social media and carrying an equal number of Lionesses and Shujaa players.

Simiyu asserted the list is illegitimate and suggested the official naming will be done within the coming week.

“I don’t think it’s prudent to discuss social media rumours but all I can say is as the coach I have not named any team and honestly the buck stops with me when it comes to team squad selection. The announcement can only be made through the KRU Communications department,” Simiyu told Citizen Digital.

On the same breath the tactician hinted on sending prospective stars for the Victoria Falls Sevens in the resort town of Zimbabwe.

Shujaa have been buoyed by the return of captain Oscar Ayodi who will be forced to test his fitness levels in the upcoming tournament in Zimbabwe.

“Ayodi has been training ahead of the remainder of the season and will get to test his fitness and speed in the upcoming tournament and also get a chance to gel with younger players and probably get to boost the squad upbeat.

“We have similar players in the squad; however he is unique and brings in a lot of experience and leadership to the squad,” Simiyu said.

Ayodi was in high spirits despite a sluggish start to his season caused by an injury to his left knee.

“I have been working hard and feel but obviously we do not want to rush things. It’s too early to say if I will be available for upcoming assignments but I feel more than ready to go back to what I love doing,” Ayodi charged.

With Shujaa stepping up their preparations for the assignment, Ayodi has been present as he trained alongside his teammates.

A list of 20 players per team is likely to be sent to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) for purposes of accreditation in a few days; however the numbers have been reduced to 18 per team as the coaches prepare to select their final teams closer to the competition.

Kenya Rugby will assemble a ladies’ (Lionesses) and men’s team (Shujaa) at the Commonwealth games as they seek to scoop their first Commonwealth medal.