Kenya head to Dubai to rebuild

Kenya’s Sevens face an uphill battle as a young, inexperienced squad make their way to a tough Dubai Sevens tournament this weekend as the World Sevens Series reboots itself in the sand pit. 

After the retirement of several stars from the golden age, including captain Andrew Amonde after the Olympic games, the rebuilding process will start in earnest this weekend as coach Innocent Simiyu chose his side for the opening leg of the 2021-22 series. 

Simiyu has included two young debutants in Kevin Wekesa and Tony Omondi in his 14-man squad and recalled Edmund Anya for the first time since the 2018-19 season. Nelson Oyoo captain’s the side, which will focus on rebuilding after two years without sevens rugby.

"We are looking at how to improve on our team execution in the quest to attain our targets,” Simiyu told local Kenyan media in selecting the team.

"Wekesa has a lot of potential, we indeed view him as the next Andrew Amonde. Omondi was in line for his debut in Vancouver until a concussion ruled him out."

"Anya played well during the pre-season Safari Sevens, and apart from his pace and ball carrying ability, brings another dimension in the air."

Kenya are in Pool B alongside USA, Argentina and Spain. Samoa and New Zealand are unable to attend because of Covid restrictions.

KENYA KICK-OFF TIMES (ALL TIMES CAT, GMT+2):

8.14am Kenya vs USA
12.30pm Kenya vs Argentina
3.02pm Kenya vs Spain

SHUJAA SQUAD TO DUBAI:

Nelson Oyoo (captain), Herman Humwa, Alvin Otieno, Johnstone Olindi, Levi Amunga, Billy Odhiambo, Daniel Taabu, Tony Omondi*, Bush Mwale, Jeff Oluoch, Alvin Marube, Edmund Anya, Timothy Mmasi, Kelvin Wekesa*