Coach Ayimba slams door on old players

By Erick Ochieng’

It will take a little while before old and experienced players are brought back into the Kenya rugby 7s team.

Coach Benjamin Ayimba has now said he will not add old and experienced players to the team for the forthcoming Hong Kong and Adelaide legs of the HBC IRB series.

Last month, the coach said old guard would return to the team after testing the new call-ups he went with to the New Zealand and Las Vegas legs.

Apparently, his call-ups have made him proud by collecting 12 points (four in New Zealand and eight in Las Vegas, US).

Ayimba reiterated that the current squad would be the one travelling to Hong Kong (March 25-27) and Adelaide, Australia, (April 2-3).

"Changes will only be made in cases of factors beyond control like an injury, but now this is the squad, I am doing no call ups," he said.

But in case of a call up he will only bring new players.

"In Las Vegas, the players were impressive and this is what I need. Everyone is striving to be in great form," said Ayimba.

Among the immediate needs Ayimba intends to work on is how his charges can tackle giants like New Zealand and England in the remaining series.

"I was not impressed by the numerous yellow cards we acquired in Las Vegas, they cost us points, and if we have to win against big teams then this should be put into consideration in our practice sessions," said the coach.

The team jetted back to the country from Las Vegas, Wednesday morning under low-key reception despite amassing the vital 12 points which has seen them jump to position nine in the current series rankings.

The team now takes a break before resuming intensive training on February 28 for the Hong Kong and Adelaide legs.

Members of the rugby fraternity congratulated Collins Injera for hitting a century mark score in his career in the series upon arrival.

Coach Ayimba explained it was the sacrifices they made late last year that saw them through in the last two legs.

"We sacrificed our Christmas and New Year festivities to be together and up our training and fortunately is paying off," said Ayimba.

The team that did the country proud last season was a pale shadow of itself late last year, which saw them fail to pick a point in the Dubai and South Africa legs.

Captain Humphrey Khayange agreed they were motivated and is looking forward to the next series with great hopes.

"I can see the Hong Kong leg being more ferocious. We need to work on a strategy to pin down New Zealand, England and other big teams in the series," said the captain.

The players have been advised to take enough rest in the break and if necessary, to play only a match for their league teams.

They were advised to put more personal efforts to strengthen their individual capacity apart from training as a team.