Yala will defend their Rugby 7s, volleyball, and football titles when the games get underway on Thursday
The Strathmore Leos utility back is nursing an ankle injury sustained during the World Championship leg in Valladolid last month and now faces a race against time to be fit for the tournament opener on the Indian subcontinent.
Odongo said the next 24 months will be critical if Kenya is to secure a historic maiden appearance at the global showpiece.
Kayange said Kenya will continue with its tradition of fielding Morans as a developmental side to expose emerging players to top-level continental competition.
Kevin Wambua’s charges head into the final leg of the World Championship Series eighth on the standings with 14 points and must maintain a top-eight finish to guarantee their place among the elite teams next season.
Fresh from guiding the Sugarmen to a fifth consecutive Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup double, Katywa believes the confidence gained from their dominance in the 15s game can inspire a stronger showing in the shorter format.
“Hopefully, we will participate in most, if not all, the legs of the circuit. We shall continue building and developing players using the circuit,” said Muhoya.
Bukusi said the team’s priority is to build momentum in the first round as they continue their bid to return to the top tier of the revamped World Rugby Sevens structure.
After qualifying for the Kenya Cup, JKUAT Cougars will look to put the icing on the cake by lifting the Mwamba Cup.
