Clubs name teams for Safari Sevens

The new national champions, Kenya Commercial Bank, and former titleholders, Kenya Harlequin and Mwamba, have named their squads for the Safaricom Safari Sevens that gets under way on Friday at Kasarani.

Western Bulls and Impala have named their teams as well, while Strathmore Leos, who finished third at the close of the Safaricom National Sevens Series, pulled out of the tournament. KCB won the national Series with victories from Driftwood, Prinsloo and Christie Sevens, followed by fomer champions, Quins.

NEW CALL-UPS

KCB will be without Kenya Sevens skipper, Andrew Amonde, who led them to their maiden national Series victory, Fabian Olando, Philip Wamae, Michael Ojee and Darwin Mukidza, who have been training with Kenya Sevens. 

Ojee and Mukidza are new call-ups in Kenya Sevens. Among key players in the bankers’ side are Edwin Salamba and Ian Indimuli.

Quins are without Patrice Agunda, Felix Ayange, Eden Agero, Kevin Keegan, Sidney Ashioya and Denis Muhanji. However, Quins are still strong with the likes of former sevens international, Brian Nyikuli and Wilson K’Opondo, in the squad.

Others dotting the side are Tony Mutai, Lyle Asiligwa, Nick Barasa and Isaac Adimo.

Mwamba will be without Collins Injera, Horace Otieno, Lavin Asego, Mike Agevi and Dennis Ombachi, who has just recovered from a knee operation, former sevens international, Edgar Abere, Chris Asego and Joseph Oriwo.

Impala coach, who is also former Kenya Sevens skipper, Innocent “Namcos” Simiyu, has decided to stick with the side that performed duties in the just-ended Safaricom National Sevens Series.

Namcos has included former Kenya Sevens international, Nato Simiyu, who should bring on board his vast experience to the Samson Onsomu-skippered side.

Impala have contributed several players to the Kenya Moran, Shujaa and Academy sides for the same event, including Robert Aringo, Samuel Oliech, Ian Mijire and Anthony Nyandigisi.

The Gazelles have a young squad featuring Onsomu, Kevin Ouma, George Okowa and Richard Sidindi.

Namcos said his charges are inspired and are focused on claiming their first silverware this season. “We have not won any trophy this year and that is why we are chasing this one,” said Namcos. “We still want to expose the youngsters to some quality play.”

Teams:

Impala: Emmanuel Chikati, Joel Maingi, Dominic Mose, Joash Ngesa, Quinto Odhiambo, George Okowa, Samson Onsomu, Kevin Ouma, Anthony Oyugi, Richard Sidindi, Nato Simiyu, Davis Makori. Management: Innocent Simiyu (Coach), Nick Abok (Assistant Coach), Philip Mwenesi (Team Manager), Chris Makachia (Physio).

KCB: Benjamin Ojema, Bonab Were, Collins Wanjala, Hastings Nyariki, Ian Indimuli, Ken Moseti, Mike Omondi, Perminus Macharia, Peter Kilonzo, Polycarp Odhiambo, Edwin Salamba, Stafford Abeka. Management: Curtis Olago (Coach), Mike Shamiah (S & C Coach), Joseph Kolli (Physio), Ronney Kangeta (Team Manager).

Quins: Amos Ngatia, Tony Mutai, Lyle Asiligwa, Arthur Ochieng, Brian Nyikuli, Isaac Adimo, Jared Owinyo, Max Theuri, Nick Barasa, Brian Okwomi, William Mawira, Wilson Kopondo. Management: Charles Cardovillis (Coach), Sydney Obonyo (Asst Coach), Enos Otieno (Team Manager).

Western Bulls: Mike Ligono, Colins Kimani, Alvin Otieno, Reinhard Ashioya, Shitundo Chrispin, Duncan Abuyeka, Lionel Kinyangi, Brian Watson, Alvin Odwako, Brian Keya, Davis Chenge, Solomon Obiero, Bram Shikanda, Cyrus Kuya.

Mwamba: George Wakasyaka, Jeremy Chimwani, Joseph Oriwo, Edgar Abere, Kevin Atandi, Chris Asego, Brian Kivasya, Marlon Ondiege, Peter Kepher, Daniel Othieno, Shaban Ahmed, Louis Kisia. Management: Meli Wanaibuli (Coach), Edwin Machanje (Team Manager), James Akuku (Physio).