McGrath keeps faith in youngsters ahead of Hong Kong 7s

Kenya Sevens' Vincent Onyala (right) in action against Chile at Dubai 7s. [World Rugby]

Kenya Sevens head coach Damian McGrath is putting his trust in new faces after naming two debutants in the Kenya Sevens squad that will feature in next month's opening leg of the 2022-2023 World Rugby Sevens Series season.

The English man who blamed his poor show on lack of time after joining the national team midway through the 2021-2022 season has included Strathmore Leos' George Ooro and Dennis Abukuse of Menengai Oilers in his 14-man squad.

Abukuse impressed for Kenya Cup finalists Oilers when the Nakuru-based side won their first ever National Sevens Circuit three months ago while Ooro was instrumental for Leos who finished third.

Ooro was also named in the overall team of the season after his exploits for Leos who also won the Christie Sevens tournament.

Speaking after naming the team yesterday, McGrath said he believes the young players will bring new energy into the team.

Shujaa have been drawn in Group D alongside Argentina, Ireland and Canada in the tournament set to take place from November 4.

"It's going to be a difficult start. I believe we should focus on the debutants coming to the squad. They are great players who showed the nation what they can do during the national circuit and we need that energy and hunger for success in the national squad," said McGrath.

"Let's hope when we get to Hong Kong we can push all these things to the side and hope there's light at the end of the tunnel for the new generation."

Nelson Oyoo will still captain the side that has regulars Willy Ambaka, Billy Odhiambo, Johnstone Olindi, Vincent Onyala, Bush Mwale, Daniel Taabu and Edmund Anya.

Others are Herman Humwa of Kenya Harlequin and Kevin Wekesa of Kabras Sugar.

Alvin Otieno, who missed the Rugby Sevens World Cup, was not included in the squad after he joined Eastman Warriors Rugby Club in Canada.

"One of the areas we are keen to improve on is set pieces. Despite a slight improvement during last season's last leg in Los Angeles, kick offs are a concern. We are working on them. We can't keep on giving the ball away like we've been doing in kick offs," said the former Germany Sevens coach.

In the new season, Shujaa will be aiming to get the much elusive consistency that saw them finish the 2022 campaign in a disappointing 12th position