Morans' Victor Odhiambo dashes to the tryline against South Africa during the Africa Cup in Mauritius on Sunday/ HANDOUT Rayvone Ambale and Glacious Owino have been rewarded for their impressive displays during the Africa Cup in Mauritius with places in the Shujaa squad for this weekend’s Safari Sevens at Nyayo Stadium.
The duo helped Kenya reclaim the Africa Cup title on Sunday, featuring in the team that edged Madagascar 15-12 in a thrilling final. Speaking on Wednesday during the naming of the Shujaa and Morans squads, head coach Kevin Wambua said Ambale and Owino had earned promotion to the senior team.
“The two have been in good form, and they get a chance to play in the first team. We hope they can continue with their good form as we look at retaining the title,” said Wambua. Wambua said the team would use Thursday’s sessions to fine-tune preparations, sharpen their skills and study their opponents before the tournament starts on Friday.
“We have a couple of sessions to polish up our skills and study our opponents for the two teams and ensure we start strongly on Friday,” he said. The coach believes home advantage could prove crucial as Shujaa seek a strong showing over the three-day tournament. “At home it gives us an advantage and, with the support of the home crowd, we want to make a deep run in the event,” said Wambua.
Co-captain George Ooro will lead Shujaa alongside experienced campaigners John Okoth, Samuel Asati, Gabriel Ayimba and Brian Mutua. Shujaa are drawn in Pool A alongside arch-rivals Uganda, Fast Forward 7s and Scotland.
Morans, meanwhile, will use the tournament to introduce a new crop of players who have impressed during the National Sevens Circuit. Clinton Amukwachi and Dennis Ndayala will co-captain the team, with six players set to make their Morans debuts. T
The debutants are Mathias Osimbo, Stanslaus Shikoli, Patrick Kluivert, Mike Lukusi of Kabras Sugar, Harrison Mauve of Kisumu RFC and Brighton Omondi. Morans are in Pool C alongside Zimbabwe, GEL Squad 7s and Wonder 7s. Their inclusion marks a breakthrough for players who have excelled on the domestic circuit and earned an opportunity to step onto the international stage at Africa’s premier rugby sevens tournament.
