Tanga returns, Ayimba debuts as Shujaa Lionesses target success abroad

Brian  Tanga of Kabras breaks away from the Nondie  defence during the Kenya Cup semifinal/ HANDOUT

Brian Tanga of Kabras RFC and Gabriel Ayimba of Strathmore Leos have been called up to the Kenya national rugby sevens team squad for the HSBC Division Two series scheduled in Montevideo and Sao Paulo later this month.

Tanga returns after a lengthy injury layoff, while Ayimba is expected to make his national team debut following impressive displays in training and for his club side.

Head coach Kevin Wambua said the two players bring an “X-factor” to the team. “Tanga and Ayimba are difference makers. Tanga brings experience, having been part of the team for a long period, while Ayimba adds robustness and physicality to our forward play, which we hope will be evident in the next two tournaments,” Wambua said.

Wambua noted that the team has been working on decision-making and structure in the past three weeks after finishing third at the Nairobi leg.

“What hurt most in our final game against the USA was our decision-making. When we had the ball, we were not patient enough to stretch defenses, and our work at the breakdown committed too many bodies, leaving gaps for teams to exploit,” he explained.

The coach expects a highly competitive event in Uruguay. “From what we saw in Nairobi, teams make adjustments and tweak their strategies. We will be ready and are relishing the battle. Our ultimate target is to gain promotion back to Division One by the end of the season,” Wambua added.

Shujaa will face the USA, Canada, and Belgium on the opening day, before taking on hosts Uruguay and Germany in a round-robin format. The team with the most wins at the end of the leg will be crowned champions.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses have welcomed back speedster Judith Auma and towering forward Faith Livoi to the 13-member squad for the women’s tournament. Auma missed the previous leg due to an ankle injury, while Livoi was absent for personal reasons.

The Lionesses had a disappointing campaign on home soil, finishing fifth, and will be aiming for top-three finishes in both upcoming tournaments. The squad opens its campaign against China, Argentina, and Spain on Saturday, before facing South Africa and Brazil on the final day. The rest of the squad remains unchanged.