Kenya Sevens' top try-scorer Collins Injera has been recalled to the squad for the Rugby World Cup tournament which starts next Friday in Cape Town.
The talismanic winger-cum-playmaker will be playing in his fourth World Cup having played at the 2009 edition in Dubai, 2013 in Moscow and 2017 in San Francisco, USA.
This will be his first appearance in the Sevens jersey since the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan last year.
Making the squad announcement on Friday, head coach Damian McGrath said: “Collins brings a raft of experience. He’s lived it and done it, there are not many players on the sevens circuit who’ve done and achieved what Collins has, his influence in training is very good."
"He’s very good with the younger guys and understands how Sevens should be played. With the withdrawals that we’ve had, we felt it was good to bring someone like Collins in, to bring that experience to the team.”
Burly forward Alvin 'Buffa' Otieno has withdrawn from the team to pursue other interests in an interesting revelation while playmaker Daniel Taabu and forward Bush Mwale were dropped.
“We’ve been hit by a number of withdrawals, not of our choosing. We’ve lost Alvin Otieno who has left the program to pursue personal interests…which is a big blow because he is one of the world’s best Sevens forwards," said McGrath.
"We’ve lost Daniel Taabu and Bush Mwale due to internal disciplinary matters which have been dealt with. It’s a blow to the team but we are confident with the squad we have selected.”
Johnstone Olindi, Vincent Onyala, Kevin Wekesa, Tony Omondi and Edmund Anya were picked for their first appearance at the quadrennial event.
On Kenya's opening fixture against Tonga, the Englishman expects a stern test, now that the tournament will be played in a knockout format.
“Tonga are one of those that you’d prefer to miss if you could because they are such a physical team. They bring flair, unpredictability as well as that steely defense that they are well known for. It will be a sticky start but we are confident we can overcome it.”he added
A Kenya win against the Pacific Islanders will see them face Argentina in the round of sixteen.
Shujaa are appearing in their sixth consecutive World Cup appearance having made their debut in 2001 in Mar Del Plata Argentina. Kenya reached the semifinals of the RWC in 2009 and 2013.
Squad: Nelson Oyoo (Captain) Collins Injera William Ambaka, Billy Odhiambo, Samuel Oliech, Herman Humwa, Jeff Oluoch, Johnstone Olindi, Vincent Onyala, Antony Omondi, Kevin Wekesa, Edmund Anya.