JOY AS WANYAMA MAKES TEAM: Quins winger named in squad for Rio Olympic qualifiers in SA

Kenya's Shuja Frank Wanyama celebrates his try against Burundi during the first day of 2015 Safari sevens rugby tournament at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Oct. 3 2015. [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Kenya Sevens head coach Benjamin Ayimba has handed debuts to Kenya Harlequin winger Frank Wanyama and Homeboyz’s Jeffery Oluoch in his star-studded 12-man squad for this weekend’s Africa Olympic qualifiers in Johannesburg.

The pair was impressive in the 20th edition of the Safari Sevens tournament at Kasarani Stadium, where Shujaa lost 20-19 to Michael Friday’s Samurai International in a thrilling Main Cup final.

Conspicuously missing from the side captained by Andrew Amonde is ex-Nakuru RFC flanker Oscar Ouma, who has not been training and injured Bush Mwale. Dennis Sikuta, Felix Ayange and former captain Humphrey Khayange are other seasoned players who are missing from the team.

However, Ayimba has been handed a timely boost with the return of Collins Injera, Dennis Ombachi (both shoulder), Billy Odhiambo, Oscar Ayodi (both knees) and Leonard Mugaisi (hamstring) from injuries.

Kenya Harlequin explosive winger Willy Ambaka, who was named best player in this year’s Safari Sevens tournament, will also be making his return to the international scene for the first time since propelling Kenya to a fourth-place finish in the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow, Russia.

In an interview with FeverPitch, Ayimba said it was not easy to make the final selections as all the 27 players, who have been in camp at Nandi Bears Golf Club, deserve to travel to South Africa.

“We have had a good experience in Nandi and we are ready to face any team. The boys have been exemplary and we had smooth training with a strong 27-man squad. We are fired up and the only incentive is to grab that ticket to the Olympics,” said Ayimba.

“Competition has been so tough, but friendly. In fact, it gave us sleepless nights because we now have to figure out a way of exposing everyone without victimising any one. We are actually thinking of a rotational way of letting guys play in upcoming tournaments.”

But he was quick to defend the inclusion of Wanyama and Oluoch in the team that departs for Johannesburg tomorrow evening.

“It is because of what they showed us during Safari Sevens. They are stand-out players, so let’s give them a chance and see how they can develop their skills,” said Ayimba.

“Khayange is not ready for the tournament and we are being strategic about how we want to use him this season. He will join us soon.”