Simiyu names Kenya 7s squad for World Cup qualifiers

Kenya Sevens head coach Innocent Simiyu has named a strong squad for Africa Sevens in Uganda this weekend.

The championship will also serve as the Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifiers.

Simiyu handed youngster Amon Wamalwa his debut as he named the Kenya Sevens
 squad for the event in Kampala.

Nelson Oyoo will captain the side that also has seasoned Kenya Sevens stars Alvin Otieno, Billy Odhiambo, Bush Mwale and Daniel Taabu.

Kenya Shujaa are keen on making a statement in Uganda.

“Although we have been inconsistent in the World Rugby Sevens Series, we are ready and going for the title in Uganda,” said Simiyu.

Simiyu said Wamalwa's performance has been good since he was identified at the Safari Sevens last year.

Fourteen countries will vie for top honours in the men's event where Kenya starts its campaign against Senegal on Saturday.

Lionesses squad

At the same time, coach Dennis Mwanja has named the Kenya Lioness squad for the Rugby Africa Women Sevens taking place on April 29-30 in Tunis, Tunisia.

The squad will be captained by Japan-based winger Janet Okello after long-serving captain and Northern Suburbs player Philadelphia Olando was appointed as Head Coach of the United Arab Emirates Women's Rugby Team in February.

Another notable absentee is utility back Diana Awino who moved to Turia Rugby in Valencia, Spain from Impala Roans in March.

Kenya has never qualified for the Rugby World Cup Sevens for women. South Africa, who are Kenya’s main rivals after defeating the East Africans on the African stage in five finals, remain Africa’s only representative at the global event, having competed at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions.

The South Africans have qualified directly as the 2022 World Cup hosts but will be in Tunisia as the Africa contests double as Commonwealth Games qualifiers.

Nine countries will vie for one ticket at the Africa Women’s Sevens.

“The squad is ready for the championship. I have named an experienced squad because this is a tournament that calls for experience,” said Mwanja.

Kenya 7s squad: Nelson Oyoo (captain), Herman Humwa, Billy Odhiambo, Bush Mwale, Daniel Taabu, Augustine Lugonzo, Tony Omondi, Edmund Anya, Kevin Wekesa, Timothy Mmasi, Alvin Otieno, Amon Wamalwa

Kenya Lionesses squad: Janet Okello (captain), Christabel Lindo, Grace Okulu, Linet Moraa, Stella Wafula, Leah Wambui, Judith Auma, Dorcas Sinaida, Sophie Ayieta, Terry Ayesa and Jean Bisela