Former Kenya sevens skipper Andrew Amonde[photo/i.ytimg.com]Former skipper Andrew Amonde will make his long-awaited return to the Kenya Sevens fold when Shujaa takes part in the fourth and fifth legs of the World Rugby Sevens series in Sydney, Australia, and Hamilton, New Zealand next weekend.
This will be Amonde’s first involvement this season although Nakuru’s Oscar Ouma will wear the armband with Impala’s Sammy Oliech assisting him in the absence of Oscar Ayodi and Collins Injera, who are still recuperating from knocks picked in the opening two rounds in Dubai and Cape Town.
Amonde regained his fitness levels after a hernia injury and will be instrumental in the squad owing to his vast experience and the absence of key players. Also bolstering the squad will be Willy Ambaka, Homeboyz star Jeffrey Oluoch, and Kabras Sugar forward Dan Sikuta.
Championships side Menengai Oilers star Erick Ombasa will make his debut for Shujaa in the two legs following his impressive performances during the 2017 National Sevens Circuit. Coach Innocent Simiyu is confident Shujaa, who left the country on Saturday and have been grouped in Pool A for the Sydney Sevens leg with Argentina, France, and Wales, will achieve their targets.
We know they will make us proud,” said Simiyu. Frank Wanyama and this season’s debutant Herman Humwa failed to make the cut owing to school commitments while Billy “The Kid” Odhiambo and Dennis Ombachi are also to yet recover from knocks picked in the opening two rounds.
Currently sitting 11th on the series with 13 points after two outings, Shujaa has endured a tough week following reports that the Kenya Rugby Union is considering terminating their contracts owing to a cash crunch, but they will be expected to put all that behind them and perform well Down Under.