This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
Published on November 1, 2019, by AYUMBA AYODI
Kenya Sevens team has received a boost ahead of the Rugby Africa qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with the return of speedster Billy 'The Kid' Odhiambo.
Odhiambo, who was part of the senior players who declined to take up new contracts last season, has been named in the team's strong squad of 12 players for the tournament scheduled for November 8-9 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Kenya Sevens coach Paul Feeney said Odhiambo's return is a welcome boost to the team, which is captained by Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) forward Andrew Amonde, assisted by Jeff Oluoch (Homeboyz) and Jacob Ojee (KCB).
'Odhiambo was back from an injury and his fitness levels were still down,' said Feeney. '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.'
Feeney expressed confidence in the team's ability to qualify for the Olympics, citing six weeks of great training where the senior and junior players have supported each other well.
'We have had six weeks of great training where the senior and players have supported each other well,' said Feeney. 'We could be favourites but we expect some tight games at the qualifier.'
The tournament will feature 14 teams, including Africa champions Zimbabwe.
The Kenya Sevens team squad is as follows: Andrew Amonde (Captain), William Ambaka, Alvin Otieno, Bush Mwale, Vincent Onyala, Daniel Taabu, Johnstone Olindi, Oscar Dennis, Billy Odhiambo, Nelson Oyoo, Jeffrey Oluoch (Vice Captain), Jacob Ojee (Vice Captain).
