Treu axes veterans, keeps faith in youthful side

Treu

A new-look Kenya Sevens team face a real test at the opening round of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Gold Coast, Australia on October 11-12 after head coach Paul Treu opted for a youthful and in-experienced squad following the strike of his regular players, due to contractual issues.
After boycotting the 19th edition of the Safaricom Sevens tournament, the South African made good on his threat dropping the seasoned IRB series campaigners led by Collins Injera, Michael Agevi, Patrice Agunda, Dennis Sikuta, Sammy OIiech, Michael Wanjala, Dennis Ombachi, Horace Otieno, Billy Odhiambo, Tony Owuor and Horace Otieno.
Humphrey Kayange, Felix Khayange, Joshua Chesanga, Oscar Ayodi and Oscar Ouma will also miss the trip due to injuries.
The former Springbok tactician has put faith in the 12-man squad comprising of players who featured for the three Kenyan teams (Shujaa, Morans and Simba Saba-that were heavily criticized for their poor performance) at recently concluded Safaricom sponsored tournament. Shujaa, who are in Pool B alongside Commonwealth Games gold medalist South Africa, Wales and American Samoa, will be captained by KCB skipper Andrew Amonde with the sextet of Oliver Mang‘eni, Bush Mwale, Michael Wanjala, Augustine Lugonzo, Alex Olaba and Jacob Ojee expected to make their IRB series debut.
Ojee was the top try scorer and most valuable player at this year‘s National Sevens Circuit helping KCB retain the title, while Lugonzo was top points scorer in the same competition. Olaba featured for Kenya Junior side at the Youth Olympics Rugby Sevens Competition in Nanjing, but all the players now face an acid test as they will be hard pressed to justify their selection during the Circuit
Speaking before the team‘s departure to Johannesburg on Thursday for a three-day training, the 43 years old tactician said he is confident the big changes in player personnel will soon bring fortunes on the pitch.
„We have managed to select a young, but exciting mix of players from the recently concluded Safaricom Series and the Safaricom 7s tournament. As we are heading into the Olympic Qualifying season, we are under no illusion that it will be a massive challenge for our young players to firstly find their feet and secondly, to keep striving for excellence,“ said Treu.
„We will resume training on soon before we depart in the evening for a short camp in Johannesburg (South Africa). The team departs on Monday 6 October for Gold Coast where we will have to hit the ground running before we start playing on the Saturday,“ he added.