• • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Technorati
  • Reddit
  • Stumble Upon
  • Furl

Coach Benjamin Ayimba has named five new players in a squad of 15 for the next two legs of the IRB Sevens World Series tournaments in Wellington, San Diego, according to Kenya's Daily Herald.

Former Kenyan captain, Sidney Ashioya, has made a dramatic return to the international fold after nearly two seasons out of sevens due to injury. Academic commitments have also restricted Ashiova's participation, who was one of the youngest players ever to captain his national side.

Peter Ocholla is another who has made remarkable improvement from a freak ankle injury sustained in Adelaide against Tonga in the Plate final last year.

Joshua Gathumbi returns to the team after making a solid debut at the England leg last season scoring two tries, whilst Nato Simiyu, the younger of the Simiyu brothers, and Biko Adema complete the list. The squad is a clear indication of the players that are likely to used during the RWC Sevens in Dubai in March.

Ayimba explained that the large number of players this time around was to enable the coaches to give exposure to some of the players who are likely to be included in the World Cup squad.

“We have only 10 days when the team arrives back from San Diego,” he explained.

Three players, Wilson Kopondo, Vincent Mose and Naftally Bondo, who were in Dubai and George have been dropped from the squad of 15 that is skippered by Humphrey Kayange.

Kenya has been drawn in Pool A along with South Africa, Scotland and Tonga for the Wellington tournament on February 6 and 7. In San Diego, Kenya will compete in Pool B against New Zealand, France and Uruguay.

The team: Gibson Weru (vice captain), Cyprian Shimenga (Nakuru Athletic Club), Joshua Gathumbi (Strathmore University), Nato Simiyu, Bryan Nyikuli, Peter Ocholla (Impala), Horace Owiti, Collins Injera, Lavin Asego, Humphrey Kayange (captain), Victor Oduor (Mwamba), Biko Adema, Benedict Nyambu (Nondescripts RUFC), Allan Onyango, Sidney Ashioya (Kenya Harlequin FC). Officials: Benjamin Ayimba (coach), Felix Ochieng (assistant coach), Oscar Osir (team manager)