Simiyu happy to expose his players: Kenyans head to South Africa for Assupol Sevens tournament

Frank Wanyama (L) of Kenya runs with the ball against Argentina during day one of Singapore Rugby Sevens tournament on April 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO

National Sevens team coach says new call ups will get time to gel.

Kenya’s participation in this weekend’s Assupol Sevens in South Africa is crucial in exposing new call ups ahead of the 2017/2018 World Sevens Rugby Series that kicks-off with the Dubai Sevens on December 1-2 in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

National Sevens team head coach Innocent Simiyu said the tournament will help players to gel ahead of the World Series.

“It is platform to expose the new faces in the team before we embark on the World Sevens Series, which kicks-off with Dubai Sevens,” Simiyu told Standard Sports after the selection of Assupol Sevens squad.

The Kenyan team, who will play under the name Morans are in Pool A with South Africa, Scotland and England Academy for the Assupol Sevens Championships.

The squad includes Arthur Owira (KCB), Oscar Ayodi, Jeff Oluoch and Charles Omondi (Homeboyz), Harold Anduvate and Sam Muiregi (Oilers), Eden Agero, Herman Humwa and Frank Wanyama (Harlequin), Derrick Mayar and Samuel Oliech (Impala), Dan Sikuta and Brian Tanga (Kabras), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Dennis Ombachi (Nondies) and Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru)

Simiyu will be deputised by Will Webster while Geoffrey Kimani is the Strength/Conditioning coach with Lameck Bogonko, the Physiotherapist and Erick Ogweno Team Manager.

Simiyu also spoke about the draws for the Dubai Sevens to be played at The Sevens Stadium in UAE.

“We have an exciting pool with two local derbies to sort out bragging rights. We will have our mini ‘King of Africa 7s’ competition in the pool. I know we have enough firepower to top the pool,” he said.

Kenya are in Pool A with continental rivals South Africa, Canada and Uganda.