Injera returns as coach Ochieng' names national Sevens squad for Las Vegas IRB series leg

Kenyan rugby sevens star Collins Injera in action against China during their Hong Kong Sevens tournament in Hong Kong, 2012 DENNIS OKEYO

National Sevens rugby head coach Felix Ochieng' has included six seasoned players, who will be making their first season appearance, in his 12-man squad for next month's fourth and fifth rounds of the 2014/15 HSBC Sevens World Series in Wellington and Las Vegas.

The Mwamba duo Collins Injera and Lavin Asego makes a return to the team alongside Strathmore Leo's Billy Odhiambo, Tony Owuor and Michael Wanjala after boycotting the first quarter of the campaign due to contractual issues, while Kenya Harlequin's Felix Ayange is back after recovering from injury.

The  inclusion of the six has given Shujaa, who are currently placed 14th in the IRB series, a major boost as they seek to bounce back from their dismal showing in the Australian, Dubai and Port Elizabeth legs.

Speaking during the squad naming ceremony yesterday at RFUEA Grounds, Ochieng' admitted he faced a selection headache but was optimistic the team will do well in the upcoming two assignments.

"It's been very tough in terms of challenges, but we've reached out to the people of Kenya to believe in the team. This is not exactly a new team as I have been privileged to work with most of them under some great coaches. For us, it is to work as a team as we look forward to improving on our performances," said Ochieng.

"This is the best team we have at the moment and our expectation is to qualify for the quarter-finals. But it's not been easy to select them. Every player has been working very hard and all of them deserve to travel but due to the limited number, we will consider them in future assignments," he said.

Speaking at the same function, Kenya Airways CEO Mbuvi Ngunze assured the team of his company's continued support.

"At the moment, we are not at among the top ten in the series, but all is not lost and we expect you to make Kenyans proud in the next two legs," said Ngunze.

"As sponsors, we are fully committed to supporting the team and we will continue sponsoring you," he added.

But Ngunze could not hide his disappointment over the recent behind-the-scenes woes at the Kenya Rugby Union that led to the resignation of Chairman Mwangi Muthee and three directors.

"It's our hope that the recent changes will be beneficial to the game. We are expecting nothing but transparency and high level of integrity," he said.

KRU acting chairman Gabriel Ouko tipped the team to excel in New Zealand and USA saying that his board had solved all their off-the-pitch problems.

"Everybody is happy with what the team has been able to put in over the last couple of weeks. We have a mix of players, so we are looking forward to Wellington and Vegas. All the off-the-pitch issues have been sorted and it's now all systems go. Once you've a good environment, the team will definitely perform well," said Ouko.

The team leaves for Las Vegas on Saturday.