This archive report was first published on 5 July 2021.
On July 5th, 2021, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announced its men's and women's rugby sevens squads for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Four players from the 2016 Rio Olympics squad will be returning for their second Olympic appearances: Andrew Amonde, Collins Injera, Billy Odhiambo, and Willy Ambaka. They will be part of the men's team, Shujaa, which will compete in Pool C alongside South Africa, USA, and Ireland from July 26th to 28th.
Shujaa's head coach, Innocent Simiyu, expressed his team's target: 'Our key target is getting out of the pool. Our first pool game will set the standard for our performance in Tokyo.'
The women's team, Lionesses, will also compete in the Olympic Sevens competition from July 29th to 31st. The team is led by Captain Philadelphia Olando, who is one of three survivors from the 2016 Rio Olympics squad. The Lionesses are drawn against New Zealand, Russia, and Great Britain in Pool A.
Lionesses' head coach, Felix Oloo, explained the selection criteria: 'We based our selection criteria on attendance, discipline, medical assessment, player fitness as well as an understanding of the game and positional roles each player has.'
The full squads for both teams are:
Shujaa Olympics Squad:
- Andrew Amonde (KCB, Captain)
- Alvin Otieno (Homeboyz)
- Vincent Onyala (KCB)
- Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin)
- Collins Injera (Mwamba)
- Daniel Taabu (Mwamba)
- Willy Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin)
- Johnstone Olindi (KCB)
- Eden Agero (Kenya Harlequin)
- Jeffrey Oluoch (Homeboyz)
- Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru)
- Jacob Ojee (KCB)
- Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba)
- Non-travelling reserves: Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Derrick Keyoga (Menengai Oilers), and Dennis Ombachi (Nondescripts)
Lionesses Olympic Squad:
- Philadelphia Olando (Northern Suburbs, Captain)
- Sheila Chajira (Homeboyz)
- Stellah Wafula (Impala Saracens)
- Christabel Lindo (Impala Saracens)
- Leah Wambui (Homeboyz)
- Judith Auma (Homeboyz)
- Vivian Akumu (Top Fry Nakuru)
- Sarah Oluche (Mwamba)
- Grace Adhiambo (Top Fry Nakuru)
- Cynthia Atieno (Homeboyz)
- Janet Okello (Mwamba)
- Sinaida Aura (Northern Suburbs)
- Diana Awino (Impala)
- Non-travelling reserve: Enid Ouma (Homeboyz)
Management teams for both squads include:
Shujaa: Innocent Simiyu (head coach), Anthony Muchiri (assistant coach), Lamch Francis (medic), and Erick Ogweno (manager)
Lionesses: Felix Oloo (head coach), Samuel Njogu (strength and conditioning coach), Ben Mahinda (medic), and Camilyne Oyuayo (manager)
