AYIMBA FACING SELECTION PROBLEM: 7s coach set to name squad for Olympic qualifier

Kenya shuja leaves the pitch after their main cup final lose to Samurai during the 2015 Safari sevens rugby tournament at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Oct. 4, 2015. [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Kenya Sevens head coach Benjamin Ayimba admits that he is facing a difficult task in making his final squad selection for the upcoming African Olympics Qualifiers in South Africa.

This is after an impressive show by both Shujaa and Morans players at the 20th edition of the Safari Sevens Tournament.

Shujaa finished as runners up after falling 20-19 to invitational side Samurai International in the Main Cup final while Morans beat Portugal 26-12 to claim the Bowl.

Samurai International was coached by former national sevens team tactician Britain’s Mike Friday and featured a number of Kenyan players.

However, he has nine seasoned players sidelined with injuries, Collins Injera (shoulder), Patrice Agunda (shoulder), Oscar Ayodi (knee), Leonard Mugaisi (hamstring), Dennis Sikuta (shoulder), Tonny Owuor (ankle), Billy Odhiambo (knee) and Dennis Ombachi (shoulder).

On the other hand as Lavin Asego and other seven Kenyan players opted to feature for invitational sides, the likes of Frank Wanyama, Alvin Otieno, Jeffrey Oluoch and Nelson Oyo seized their opportunities and starred on their international debut.

Ayimba said he has tough decisions to make as all the players have proved themselves worthy of a place in the team.

“These players have all convinced us of their abilities and they have proved their worthiness during the Safari Sevens. The likes of Frank Wanyama have just stepped to another level,” said Ayimba.

“We have a tremendous squad that will definitely give us headache in selection, but as I coach I am happy to have such a pool of talented players. But chances are high the young turks will feature prominently because nine of our experienced players are still on the recovery path.”

Asked if he will call up the likes of Sri Lanka based Oscar Ouma, Sammy Oliech, Felix Ayange (Samurai), Michael Agevi and Horace Otieno (Newcastle Wailers) for the Johannesburg tourney that will feature Zimbabwe, Botswana, Morocco, Uganda, Tunisia, Madagascar and Senegal, Ayimba said:

“Some of them were not available for selection, but if a player like Ouma (Oscar) is playing consistently for his club, then there is reason to call him up.

“However, if he is not playing anywhere it’s unfortunate we will not consider him since it will be unfair to other boys who are working hard in their teams,” insisted Ayimba.