Kayange Back in Sevens Squad for Hong Kong and Japan IRB Series

Piece by: Alex Muange
Entertainment

Former Captain Humphrey Kayange is back in the Kenya Rugby Sevens team for the first time since July last year. Kayange has been out nursing an injury and the technical team says they are satisfied with is recovery.

Kayange was the only change head coach Felix Ochieng made in his squad for the Hong Kong and Japan IRB series with fly half Biko Adema failing to make the cut since he is still regaining full match fitness after recovering from an injury.

The return of the ever calm and composed Kayange is a huge boost for the national side and even though head coach Felix Ochieng says he will have to fight for his starting place, he is certain the young players will learn a lot from him.

“I trust all the players between number one to twelve and Humphrey has had a lot of work to do and he still has a lot to do but i think we cannot ignore the leadership skills he brings to the pitch and to the players”

“We’ve got young players who are really maturing in the squad, Humphrey might enjoy his time because there is number one to seven who can still start and play as good as him but we cannot ignore his experience” He said

Philip Wamae, Sammy Oliech and Dennis Ombachi were named in the non travelling reserves and Ochieng says it was not an easy decision coming up with the squad. Ombachi as well as Wamae have not featured for the national side this season. However Ochieng says he was satisfied with his selection.

“In terms of selection, it is always an headache but when you have all the players at your disposal it’s a good headache, we always do our best to take the right combination, the players who will take to the field that day, will be able to perform” Ochieng added.

Ochieng also revealed they’ve been keeping in touch with Oscar Ouma who is currently playing for Kandy Sports club in Sri Lanka. Ouma was a key player for the national side before leaving for Sri Lanka and the technical team have left the door open for the former Nakuru RFC player.

Ouma might be back in the country next month after the Sri Lanka season is over and could be eligible to play for the sevens team in London and Glasgow IRB series. However Ochieng says just like any other player, he will have to fight for his place in the team.

“Once he is back home, we will be in contact with him, we are a family, we try to keep each player close, am sure he is keen to come back and make an impact but he knows it will not be easy to join the team but then again when you have Oscar in your ranks together with all young players then you know you heading in the right direction” Ochieng said.

The national side will depart for Hong Kong on Sunday. Kenya is in Pool D alongside England United States as well as Wales. Kenya open their campaign with a match against United State whom they have met twice this season and lost in both occasions. USA is managed by former Sevens coach Mike Friday.

Their second match will be against England, a team they also faced in Vegas IRB series where they lost 21-14. Their final match will be against Wales. Kenya will need at least two wins to secure a safe passage to the main cup quarter finals.

Kenya will be captained by Andrew Amonde who has hailed the team’s progress in the recent past after making a false start this season. Amonde remains confident the return of Kayange will help boost the team’s performance as they enter into crucial stage the season.

This season’s main target was securing a direct ticket to Olympics qualification but the dream has since vanished after series of poor displays at the start of the season. However Amonde is certain they will secure an Olympic ticket through Africa qualifiers.

Travelling Squad

Andrew Amonde, Collins Injera, Humphrey Kayange, Billy Odhiambo, Felix Ayange, Tonny Owuor, Lavin Asego, Leonard Mugaisi, Michael Wanjala, Dan Sikuta, Patrice Agunda, Bush Mwale.

Non Travelling reserves

Dennis Ombachi, Philip Wamae, Sammy Oliech.

Technical Team

Felix Ochieng (coach) Vuyo Zangga (attack coach), Graham Bentz (strength and conditioning coach) Lameck Bogonko (Physio) Steve Sew (Team Manager),

Photo Credit: IRB