AMBAKA MAKES COMEBACK: Coach Ayimba names players to do duty in this weekend’s Safari Sevens

After seasons out in the cold, Harlequin’s winger William Ambaka has made a comeback to Sevens rugby team after coach Benjamin Ayimba named him in his squad for this year’s Safari Sevens tournament.

Also making a return to Shujaa side is his KCB counterpart, Kennedy Moseti.

Ayimba also named five uncapped players for the 20th edition of Safari Sevens rugby tournament as he struggles to cope with injury crisis in the Shujaa team.

The five; Nelson Oyo (Nakuru RFC), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Frank Wanyama (Harlequin), Jeffrey Oluoch and Alvin Otieno (both Homeboyz) are expected to make their national debut when the tournament starts this weekend at Kasarani Stadium.

Nevertheless, Kenya, who last won the title in 2013, will make do without nine of their seasoned players, who are injured.

Mwamba’s speedy winger Collins Injera (shoulder), Patrice Agunda (shoulder), Oscar Ayodi (knee), Leonard Mugaisi (hamstring), Dennis Sikuta (shoulder), Tonny Owour (ankle), Billy Odhiambo (knee), Dennis Ombachi (shoulder) and Lavin Asego will all be missing.

Apart from the injured players, Shujaa will also miss the services of Oscar Ouma, Sammy Oliech and Felix Ayange, who will feature for Samurai International, while Michael Agevi has preferred to play for the Under-17 team at the Independence Sevens tournament in Nigeria.

But with the team preparing for the 2016 Olympics qualifiers in November, Ayimba said the players’ absence is a blessing in disguise as the tournament will give them an opportunity to select a strong squad.

“With nine of our senior players injured, it is hard to compete at this level. But it also gives other players chance to prove themselves.