This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
Kenya has announced a 12-man squad for the Africa men's Olympic sevens qualifier in Johannesburg, set to take place from November 8-9, 2019. The winner of this tournament will earn automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The squad, led by captain Andrew Amonde, includes a mix of youth and experience, with wingers Billy Odhiambo and Willy Ambaka returning to the team. Odhiambo, a speedster from Mwamba Rugby Club, had declined to take up a new contract last season and had also failed to make the Kenya Shujaa and Kenya Morans teams for Safari Sevens.
Despite his recent injury, Odhiambo has been training with the team and has shown impressive form, according to coach Paul Feeney. "Odhiambo was back from an injury and his fitness levels were still down," Feeney said. "I would have fielded him at Safari Sevens but I couldn't risk knowing that he is a good player especially in contact play. He has been looking sharp and impressive."
"Odhiambo was back from an injury and his fitness levels was still down," said Kenya Sevens coach Paul Feeney.
Feeney expressed confidence in the team's ability to qualify for the Olympics, citing their six weeks of intense training. "We have had six weeks of great training where the senior and players have supported each other well," he said. "We could be favourites, but we expect some tight games at the qualifier."
