Kayange returns to sevens squad
Former Kenya sevens skipper Humphrey Kayange has returned to the sevens squad set to feature in the upcoming Hong Kong and Tokyo HSBC World Rugby Series set for later this month.
Kayange, 32, is the only change in Coach Felix Ochieng’s squad of 12 players which was named on Thursday at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
The talismanic player last featured for the national team during the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland before suffering an ankle injury that has kept him out of action.
He has since resumed training and takes up the place of Homeboyz RFC player Oscar Ayodi who is unavailable due to education commitments.
KCB’s Andrew Amonde will captain the side which also features Dan Sikuta and Collins Injera who impressed the in the last two legs.
Kenya has been drawn in Pool D for the Hong Kong Sevens alongside England, Wales and USA who are coached by former Kenya Sevens coach Mike Friday.
The Kenyan team is currently placed 12th on the table after five outings in Australia, Dubai , South Africa , New Zealand and USA.
TOUGH POOL
With four legs remaining, Ochieng called on the players to collect as many points as possible so as to haul themselves up the table.
“It is going to get tight as the series draws to its conclusion. We need to get as many points as possible to ensure we move away from the lower end of the table,” coach Felix Ochieng said.
“We know we are in a tough pool in Hong Kong but we have huge expectations but with the amount of work we have been putting in, we hope to succeed,” he added.
The tactician noted that there was great improvement in the last two legs observing that consistency would be key in the team’s chances of getting positive results in the remaining legs in the series.
“We are striving to get to the top level. We not yet there but we believe the results of our hard work will be manifested in our performances on the pitch,” Ochieng said.
The coach also expressed confidence that Kayange’s return will offer inspiration and leadership to the team on the pitch calling on the former Mwamba player to play his part in ensuring the team is successful.
The squad leaves the country on Sunday and will return on April 7.
Squad: Andrew Amonde (captain), Patrice Agunda, Lavin Asego , Felix Ayange, Collins Injera, Hamphrey Kayange, Leonard Mugaisi, Bush Mwale , Billy Odhiambo , Tonny Owuor, Dan Sikuta, Michael Wanjala