Ayimba revamps Sevens squad

By BS MULAVI

Kenya National Rugby Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba has revamped his side with the inclusion of Victor Oduor and Brian Nyikuli ahead of the last two legs of the International Rugby Board Sevens circuit.

Speaking at the RFUEA grounds yesterday during the naming of the squad, Ayimba praised the progress made by Oduor by recovering from a broken hand and returning to full fitness, "Oduor has fully recovered from injury, while Nyikuli has hit a rich vein of form. Their presence and experience will be key in driving the team towards a solid performance in London and Scotland," said Ayimba.

Oduor has been instrumental in Kenya Cup and is bound to be a major plus for Ayimba who will be desperate to put up a solid performance in the last two legs.

Nyikuli missed out on the previous two legs in Hong Kong and Adelaide but has fought his way back into the team with a string of good performances in the domestic front. The duo are major additions to the Kenyan forward pack and Ayimba is glad they are both available at such a critical time.

The two join Oscar Ouma, Humphrey Kayange and Andrew Amonde in the forwards, while the backs will comprise a strong line up of players such as Collins Injera, Sidney Ashioya and Lavin Asego.

Ayimba has also kept his faith in Nakuru player Gibson Weru who has been under criticism for his poor tackling. Ayimba will be hoping that Biko Adema can match the performances he put earlier in the year in the New Zealand and USA legs.

This is arguably one of the strongest sides Ayimba has fielded this season, which comes with extra pressure to perform. The London leg is scheduled for May 21 and 22, while the Scotland leg kicks off a week later on 28-29.