Homeboyz tune-up ahead of 2018 Safari Sevens

Homeboyz players celebrate during Christie Sevens [Courtesy]

The two-time national Sevens circuit champions will be forced to do without a host of their key players who are involved with the national Sevens and 15s teams.

Reigning national Sevens Circuit champions Homeboyz will use this weekend's Safari Sevens to give game-time to fringe players, Team Manager Simon Odongo has said.

With the showpiece slated for November 9-11 at the RFUEA grounds, the Deejays, who will be making their third appearance at the tournament that was first played in 1996, will be deprived of several of their key players who are engaged with the national Sevens and 15s teams.

In an interview with The Standard Sports, Odongo assured that the absence of some of their first team players will not negatively affect their performance but will rather provide an opportunity for the fringe players to showcase their mettle against good opposition.

"We thrive on depth at Homeboyz and we have quite a good number of players who can rise to the occasion. The absence of some of our key players will enable us explore our depth and give play time to our fringe players," Odongo said.

Among those who are not available for the two-time national Sevens circuit winners are halfback Mohammed Omollo, Leonard Mugaisi, Mark Wandeto, Brian Wandera, Charles Omondi, Alvin Otieno and Johnstone Olindi.

Homeboyz are set to grace the invitational Dubai Sevens at the end of the month and Odongo believes the 22nd edition of the Safari Sevens will serve as a yardstick ahead of their trip to the United Arab Emirates.

"We have told them (players) that this is a great platform to showcase their talent to everyone because it is an international tournament and they will come up against very solid opposition.

"It is a great privilege to be among the 12 teams for this year's Safari Sevens and we are looking forward to the tournament," the manager said.

Meanwhile, 2015 Safari Sevens champions Samurai, who are under the tutelage of Welshman Nick Wakely, have unleashed a star-studded squad for this year's event that begins on Friday.

The 15-man squad is made up of a blend of players from Kenya, England, Uganda, Hong Kong and South Africa with Kenya Sevens and Nakuru RFC forward Oscar Ouma headlining the list.

Ouma is joined by fellow Kenya internationals Patrice Agunda, Frank Wanyama, Augustine Lugonzo, Oscar Dennis and Tony Owuor.

Ugandan Solomon Okia, who plies his trade with Kenyan side Harlequins, is also part of the squad as is Hong Kong Sevens international Hugo Stiles.

Kenya's Shujaa are the Safari Sevens defending champions after edging Samurai 38-21 in the final of the last edition staged at Kasarani Stadium in 2016.