New coach McGrath names Shujaa squad for Toulouse Sevens

Head Coach Kenya 7s Damian McGrath during the naming of Shujaa Squad for Tolouse 7s at KRFU grounds. May 14, 2022. [Jonah Onyangom Standard] 

New Kenya Sevens head coach Damian McGrath has promised to try and improve Shujaa’s performances ahead of the seventh leg of the World Sevens Series set for Toulouse next weekend.

Speaking during the naming of the Shujaa team set to fly out to France today, McGrath acknowledged the speed, strength, flair and athleticism Kenya has but said they had to work on their skills and style of play to achieve success.

Archadius Khwesa and Ben Salem are in line for their debuts as the Shujaa squad to the Toulouse and London legs of the World Rugby Sevens series was named on Saturday.

The duo, alongside Alvin Otieno, Timothy Mmasi and Johnstone Olindi are the five changes from the squad that did duty at the Singapore and Vancouver legs of the series.

In Toulouse and London, Nelson Oyoo will captain the squad.

The British coach who replaced Innocent Simiyu last Thursday watched the team train at RFUEA grounds yesterday before picking his team for Toulouse.

“I am very excited to be here in Kenya because it is a new challenge. My target is to try and use the experience and the upcoming young lads and try and build the team into a winning force.”

“I was surprised with the results I have seen in the past few months that Kenya posted especially over the two last legs. I hope and wish I can make some improvements,” said McGrath.

The former Germany Sevens coach said Shujaa should be prepared to take another hit in Toulouse since he has not gotten enough time to be with the team but is positive about the future.

“Shujaa’s skills are poor and I won’t hide from and am hoping we can find a way to use our strengths to our advantage using new skills,” he said.

Kenya  are in Group B alongside Olympic champions Fiji, hosts France and Wales

The team leaves the country on Sunday.

Shujaa

Nelson Oyoo (Topfry Nakuru, Captain), Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin), Alvin Otieno (KCB), Collins Shikoli (Homeboyz), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Timothy Mmasi (Masinde Muliro), Tony Omondi (Mwamba), Johnstone Olindi (KCB), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba), Edmond Anya (Impala Saracens), Augustine Lugonzo (Homeboyz), Archadius Khwesa (Blak Blad, debut), Ben Salem (Nondescripts, debut) NON TRAVELLING RESERVES: Levy Amunga (KCB), Jeffrey Oluoch (Homeboyz), Amon Wamalwa (Homeboyz)