This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
Kenya's Collins Injera, the all-time leading try scorer in the World Sevens Series, is facing an uphill battle to recover from an arm injury sustained at the Safari Sevens two weeks ago.
On May 13, 2016, Injera was in action for Kenya during a HSBC Paris Sevens Series rugby match against Portugal at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris.
Shujaa coach Paul Feeney has expressed concerns over Injera's availability for the upcoming Africa Sevens-cum-2020 Olympic qualifiers in Johannesburg, South Africa, next weekend.
Feeney told Standard Sports after a training session at the RFUEA ground that 'He is getting treatment but there is plenty of talent here. It will be a big loss if he doesn’t recover on time but that gives someone else an opportunity. Another player will definitely have to step up.'
Feeney has been boosted by the return of Billy Odhiambo, who is up for selection for the continental event having missed Safari Sevens.
Feeney added, 'We have been working on a few things like our line outs and had some video analysis of the Safari Sevens. There is a mixture of youth and experience, which is great for the team. The balance is great and will be helpful for Kenyan rugby in years to come.'
Changes have been made to the format of the African Olympic qualifiers with the 14 teams now expected to negotiate knock out matches with winners, alongside one best loser, proceeding to the pool stage.
Feeney emphasized, 'We have to be adaptable at whatever they throw at us and strive to win all our matches since our goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games. It will be difficult to get to Tokyo via the Repechage and that’s why we want to qualify directly.'
