Amonde gets 15s call up: Ambaka and Ouma also named in team for World Cup qualifiers

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Kenya’s Andrew Amonde outpaces South Africa’s Chris Dry during the Las Vegas Sevens World Series. Amonde has been named as part of the Kenya 15s team for the World Cup qualifiers. [PHOTO:AFP]

Kenya Sevens skipper Andrew Amonde is among the three top players who have earned a call up to bolster the Kenya 15s squad, the Tusker Simba XVs, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in Madagascar.

Kenya 15s team manager Wangila Simiyu noted that Amonde will be instrumental in the team’s campaign due to his leadership abilities.

“He is one player who has the potential to unite the squad; his presence on the team can never be doubted,” said Simiyu, who is helping the squad of 30 step up training in the Tusker training camp at the Ruaraka grounds in Nairobi.

Other notable Kenya Sevens players who have been called up are France-based William Ambaka and  Oscar Ouma who are expected to play a vital role in the qualifiers.

The team is set to face Portugal, a formidable team ranking 24th in the world, on June 7.

 The match will test the team’s resilience and preparedness ahead of the World Cup qualifiers that are slated for July.

“The Portugal match will be a clear indicator for us on whether we are on the right track. It will expose the loose ends, which we will need to strengthen before we leave for Madagascar,” said Simiyu.

The national 15s team recently returned from a two-month tour of South Africa, having featured in the prestigious Vodacom Cup tournament.

The South Africa training camp was made a success after generous support from the South African Rugby Union.

In addition, Michael Shamia, Kenya’s strengthening and conditioning coach, has returned from three weeks of intensive training at the world renowned Stellenbosch Academy of Sport in South Africa and is  expected to pass on to the team the skills acquired from his trip.

“The three will be a great addition, especially against the likes of Namibia, Zimbabwe and Madagascar, the three teams that Kenya will be facing in the final round of the World Cup qualifiers in Madagascar,” said Simiyu.

“South Africa was a stepping stone for the team and it showed us where our strengths and weakness lay.

“This test match will be a good platform to showcase our improvements,” he added. 

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