Rugby Sevens: Simiyu hopes to bring back Shujaa's fading glory

 

As the National Sevens Team heads to Canada for Vancouver and Edmonton Sevens, head coach Innocent 'Namcos' Simiyu is optimistic they will restore their diminishing power.

Simiyu promised rugby fans a good performance even after failing to involve the team in training matches in readiness for the HSBC 2021/2022 World Sevens Series after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Simiyu said the squad he selected has the depth and strength to reach the respectable stages of the Vancouver Sevens, which kicks-off on September 18-19.

Kenya are in Pool A with South Africa, Mexico and Spain.

A total of 12 countries have confirmed participation in the Vancouver Sevens as opposed to 16 countries, with the World Rugby explaining that a number of core teams will not honour the tournament due to travel restrictions occasioned by the covid-19 pandemic.

Pool B has Great Britain, Ireland, Hong Kong and Jamaica while the USA, Canada, Germany and Chile are in Pool C before the time fixtures had been released.

A team of 13 players and four officials jetted out of the country on Monday for the first series of the championships ahead of Edmonton Sevens slated on September 25-26.

The officials are head coach Innocent Simiyu, assistant coach (Strength and Conditioning) Mark Shamia, team manager Erick Ogweno and physiotherapist Lameck Bogonko.

Nakuru RFC winger Nelson Oyoo will captain the team and will be deputized by Homeboyz utility player Jeff Oluoch.

Despite not having played any preparatory matches, Simiyu said the squad picked has what it takes to make a strong performance in Canada.

"We have talented and skilful players that hopefully will not disappoint us in Canada. We expect to exhibit good performance in the two series of HSBC World Sevens Series," he said.

 

Shujaa squad

Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru RFC), Willy Ambaka (Russia Zastra RFC) Jeff Oluoch(Homeboyz), Daniel Taabu, Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba RFC), Alvin Otieno(Homeboyz), Harold Anduvate, Derrick Keypga, Mark Kwemoi (Menengai Oilers), Levi Amunga (KCB), Timothy Mmasi (MMUST), Alvin Marube (Impala) and Herman Humwa (Harlequin)

Vancouver Sevens groups

Pool A: Kenya, South Africa, Mexico and Spain.

Pool B: Great Britain, Ireland, Hong Kong and Jamaica.

Pool C: USA, Canada, Germany and Chile.