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Kenya Sevens captain Humphrey Kayange is relishing the prospect of participating in this October’s Commonwealth Games.

Following a disappointing 2009/10 IRB Sevens World Series campaign, where the ‘Shujaa’ finished eighth overall, there is much anticipation from their fans for a stronger showing in Delhi on October 11-12.

Kenya has been drawn in Pool C along with World Series champions Samoa, Papua New Guinea and rivals Uganda – known as the Cranes.

“Ever since the pools came out, there has been a real excitement in Kenya,” Kayange told IRB.com in a recent column.

“The fans have been talking, the media has been discussing the opportunity for us to go there and win a medal for our country and for us the preparations are just beginning.

“The rivalry with the Cranes is intense: our 15-a-side team is involved in the Victoria Cup at the moment against Uganda and Zimbabwe, and also the Elgon Cup with just Uganda.”

‘Tall’, as he is affectionately nicknamed, has never participated in the multi-sport event and is looking forward to being part of Team Kenya, along with brother Collins Injera.

“One of the things we're most looking forward to is sharing the athlete's village, including with the Kenyan distance runners.”

“Right now within Kenya they still come above us, but we're working hard, trying to get near the top of our game too and maybe we can change that pecking order - it will take a lot of work though.”

Energised for Delhi

Criticism was labelled at the Africans following some mediocre displays during the second half of last season, with calls for newer and younger players to be drafted in.

But Kayange blames ‘fatigue’ as one of the major reasons for some of the below par performances and promises his side are recharged for October’s showpiece. 

“Last season we started well but half way through I think fatigue set in and we found it hard to operate at the same level. But by the time we get back into it now I think we'll be fully refreshed - physically and mentally.”