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.
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
Peter Ocholla Impala RFC
Lawrence Buyachi Impala RFC
Lavin Asego Mwamba RFC
NON TRAVELLING RESERVES
Edgar Abere Mwamba RFC
MANAGEMENT
Benjamin Ayimba Head Coach
Felix Ochieng’ Dep Head Coach
Newton Ongalo Team Manager
George Odhiambo Physiotherapist