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The Nairobian

Ayimba names squad for NZ, US Sevens tourney

Politics

By The Standard Sports | Jan 19, 2011

By BS MULAVI

Former National Sevens captain Innocent Simiyu will not be taking part in the third and fourth leg of the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series in Wellington and Las Vegas next month head coach Benjamin Ayimba has said.

Speaking to media at the RFUEA Grounds during the naming of the squad Tuesday, Ayimba said he dropped the talented Impala centre because of study commitments. "Simiyu has been excluded because he is currently pursuing his masters," said Ayimba.

The recently-crowned Kenya 15s player of the year’s penetrative power play was missed in the opening matches of Dubai on December 3-4.

Following this disappointing show at the Dubai Sevens where Kenya beat France 26-0 to claim the consolation Shield, Simiyu was called to replace Peter Ocholla who was unavailable for the George leg in South Africa on December 10-11. The Impala fullback has been one of Kenya’s most consistent performers at this level, combining vision with pace.

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Also dropped is David Ambunya, who failed to train with the team for the two legs

Travelling party

In order to keep the squad sharp, Ayimba said from the 14 players, only 12 will be travelling with the former Nondies backrow affirming that anyone can make it to the final 12 provided they prove it.

New recruits are Oscar Ouma of Nakuru RFC and Lawrence Buyachi of Impala, who are making a debut in the global tournament. The two have been included in the squad because they have been tried and tested according to Ayimba.

The coach also said he plans to recruit younger players for the remaining legs.

"My goal is to have an able squad of 30 where I can do selection. I am settling on young players to bring youth, excitement and skills in the team," he said.

But he will still revamp the team with senior players from the fifth leg to be staged in Hong Kong on March 25-27. "Currently we are not under pressure and so younger players would do. The remaining legs will require experience that I can only get with the seniors," said Ayimba.

Kenya is pooled with England, Australia and Tonga in the Wellington. In Las Vegas series, Kenya will battle Uruguay, Wales and New Zealand.

Collins Injera is back to the team alongside Sidney Ashioya and Biko Adema all who missed out in the first two legs of the series in December. Other notable exclusions are Ben Nyambu, Edwin Shimenga, Victor Oduor and Horace Otieno.

FULL SQUAD

Humphrey Kayange Mwamba RFC

Sidney Ashioya Harlequin FC

Collins Injera Mwamba RFC

Biko Adema Nondescripts RUFC

Leon Adongo Harlequin FC

Andrew Amonde KCB RFC

Gibson Weru Nakuru RFC

Brian Nyikuli Impala RFC

Patrice Agunda Harlequins FC

Wilson Kopondo Harlequin FC

Oscar Ouma Nakuru RFC