Simiyu names squad for Sevens Series in Canada

Kenya's Nelson Oyoo in action with Terry Kennedy of Ireland yesterday. [Reuters]

Nelson Oyoo will captain the national sevens team that was named by coach Innocent Simiyu yesterday ahead of the Vancouver and Edmonton Sevens Series.

To inject depth into the 13-man team, Simiyu retained Mwamba RFC’s playmaker Daniel Taabu alongside teammate Billy Odhiambo who plays as a centre.

Vastly improved Menengai Oilers provided three of their players into the squad that Simiyu hopes will not disappoint.

They are playmaker Mark Kwemoi, winger Derrick Keyoga and prop Harold Anduvate. Oyoo will be deputised by Homeboyz utility player Jeff Oluoch.

Other members of the team are prop Alvin Otieno (Homeboyz), hooker Timothy Mmasi (Masinde Muliro University), prop Herman Humwa (Harlequins) and winger Alvin Marube of Impala Saracens.

Despite having an array of stars, Kenya Cup League champions KCB only managed to provide one player in Levi Amunga. 

Simiyu said the squad picked has all what it takes to put up a strong performance in Canada.

The coach said morale was high in camp and the players were eager to play despite having not played any build up.

“We have all talented and skillful players that hopefully will not disappoint us in Canada.

“We expect to have a formidable performance in the two series of HSBC World Sevens Series,” he said.

Vancouver Sevens will be played on September 18-19 and Edmonton Sevens on September 24-25. 

Despite having not played any serious matches since 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Simiyu said he was confident all was well in the squad explaining that they’ll take a match at a time from the group stages.