Shujaa to redeem lost glory: Former captain Amonde returns ahead of Friday trip

Kenya's Shujaa Andrew Amonde in action against Western Province during their 2016 Safari Sevens match at Kasarani Stadium on Sept. 24, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

National Sevens team prepares for Sydney Sevens in Australia.

After a disappointing show in the Dubai and Cape Town Sevens that saw the national Sevens rugby team get just 13 points, the side is out to redeem its fading glory in the third round of the World Sevens Series.

The trip, which begins in Sydney, Australia on Friday, also extends to Hamilton Sevens in Canada next weekend. Head coach Innocent Simiyu is aware of the arduous task ahead of him and with a composition of young players that have joined the ranks, the team is expected to push Kenya up in the log.

They are seeking to qualify for the knockout stages of the Sydney Sevens and break into the top 10 ranks.

Kenya, who are in Pool A alongside Argentina, France and Wales, are 11th in the standings with 13 points after Dubai and Cape Town Sevens legs.

To beef up the void left by Kenya Harlequins centre Herman Humwa, Simiyu has called Menengai Oilers forward Erick Ombasa, who is making his debut in the team.

Shujaa have also welcomed back former captain Andrew Amonde of Kenya Commercial Bank after missing the opening two legs with an injury.

Amonde missed the opening legs of Dubai and Cape Town Sevens.

Ombasa was a standout player for the Oilers in the 2017 National Sevens Circuit where he managed to catch the eyes of national team selectors. The team will be captained by Nakuru RFC flanker Oscar Ouma.

“We had a few injuries which gives an opportunity to young players to earn their place into the team and keep their pride up. We know they will make us proud,” said coach Simiyu before the team’s departure at the weekend.

Veteran Collins Injera, who is out injured, did not travel, but Oilers’ Samuel “Smurf” Ng’ethe and Arthur Owira of KCB, were retained.