Ochieng to give youth a chance in Safaricom Sevens

By BEN AHENDA

National Sevens interim coach Felix Ochieng’ plans to include new faces in the national team that will take part in the Safaricom Sevens tournament set for Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani from September 20-22.

Although Ochieng will name the team on Wednesday, he has already identified players to be included in the final team for the championships.

The coach said he has selected a provisional squad of 21 to 27 players to be divided into two outfits — The Shujaas and The Morans — all set to feature in the event.

Ochieng named Anthony Owuor of Strathmore Leos, Leonard Mugaisi of Homeboyzs and Kenya Commercial Bank’s Darwin Mukidza as some among the players who have already made it onto the team.

“The rest will have to contend with the few slots left before the final team is named,” he said.

Ochieng’ predicted a very competitive tournament but pointed out that Kenya teams will be up to the task.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has invited top rugby nations in Africa and Europe to the event, which teams will be using as a curtain raiser ahead of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World series.

At the moment several teams invited are yet to send in their confirmation, but at least 16 teams are expected to compete in the tournament.

Among those invited in Africa are Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Uganda.

Belgium is the only country in Europe that has confirmed participation. Some franchise teams from England and Fiji are also expected at the three-day competition.

Yesterday, Ochieng said he was working on the strength of the players so that they could match the standards of the tournament, which is regarded as Africa’s Premier Sevens rugby tournament.

Kenya’s team started training two weeks ago with the provisional squad but the final team will be named this weekend.

The provisional squad was selected after the Dala and Kabeberi Sevens Championships three weeks back.

“They include the first eight players who have been training with another provisional squads of 20 players for the last 14-days in readiness for the tournament,” he said.

The Safaricom Series has 19 teams competing over a six leg circuit in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru and Mombasa.