Kayange and Ombachi in 7s team for SA tour

Former Kenya Sevens skipper Humphrey Kayange and winger Dennis Ombachi are back in the team.

The 31-year-old Kayange, who has been studying in the United Kingdom and Ombachi, 22, who is back after a knee surgery, are in the 16-man squad that leaves the country on Wednesday for South Africa.

While in South Africa, the Shujaa side that is handled by South African Paul Treu will hold a camp before taking part in the Eye of The Eagle Sevens tournament between January 11 to 12 in George.

Kayange, who has not played for Kenya since the Sevens Rugby World Cup in June, has finalised his studies at the University of Bristol.

Ombachi, who plays for Mwamba RFC, picked up a knee injury in the team’s final training session before the London Sevens last season.

Kayange, who also plays for Mwamba while in the country, joins the team as a player and coach.

“Ombachi went through a surgery but he is back in great shape and full of zeal,” said team manager Steve Sewe.

Agevi also back

Also back in the team is Kayange’s young brother Michale Agevi (Mwamba) and Tony Owuor (Strathmore).

The team, captained by Andrew Amonde, broke camp for Christmas but resumed training on Boxing Day for special sessions involving Kayange, Ombachi, Oscar Ouma who has also finalised his studies at Jommo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Lavin Asego and Billy “The Kid” Odhiambo. Asego will however, not travel to South Africa.

Ouma missed the Dubai and Port Elizabeth Sevens owing to examinations while Odhiambo only made it to the South Africa leg.

But Tuesday, it was a full house in camp. A squad of 21 players has been training since the last legs of the IRB World Sevens Series in Dubai and Port Elizabeth, South Africa. 

Kenya Harlequin half back Max Theuri has been drafted into the team to step in the shoes of the injured Michael Wanjala of Strathmore and Asego.

However, Theuri will not make the South Africa trip.

“Theuri won’t make the trip to George but It will be interesting to see how he will fit in Treu’s system going forward,” said Sewe.

George tournament will be key to Treu’s final selection for the next legs of the IRB World Sevens Series of USA Sevens on January 24 to 26 in Las Vegas and Wellington Sevens February 7 to 8 in New Zealand.

Kenya that is placed seventh in the IRB World Sevens Series standing 32 points will face South Africa, Wales and Canada in Pool A in Las Vegas.

Squad to George, South Africa

Possible squad: Michael Agevi, Horace Otieno, Dennis Ombachi, Collins Injera, Humphyer Kayange, Dan Sikuta(Mwamba), Billy Odhiambo, Tony Owuor(Strathmore University), Oscar Ouma (Nakuru RFC), Patrice Agunda, Felix Ayange, Eden Agero (Kenya Harlequin), Biko Adema (Nondescripts), Andrew Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank), Oscar Ayodi, Humphrey Mulama (Homeboyz)