Eight players have earned maiden call-ups to the Kenya Sevens setup as Director of Rugby Paul Odera begins shaping his squad for the upcoming international campaign.
The new faces emerged from the just-concluded National Sevens Circuit, where their performances earned them an opportunity to train with Shujaa ahead of a demanding schedule featuring Safari Sevens, the Africa Men’s Sevens and the World SVNS series.
Kisumu RFC’s leading try scorer Harrison Mauve and MMUST fly-half Flavian Otiyo headline the newcomers, alongside Mathias Osimbo (Kabras Sugar), Richel Wangila (KCB), Lucky Onyango (Menengai Oilers), Glacious Owino (Menengai Oilers), Graham Shimon (Nakuru RFC) and Brighton Omondi (Kenya Harlequins).
Mauve’s call-up comes after a productive National Sevens Circuit campaign with Kisumu, while Otiyo has also impressed for MMUST to earn his first opportunity with the national sevens side.
Odera has meanwhile recalled three players with previous Shujaa experience. Patrick Lumumba (Kabras Sugar), Mike Lukusi (Kabras Sugar) and Stanislaus Shikoli (Strathmore Leos) return to the national setup as the technical team looks to blend established international players with emerging talent.
Circuit champions KCB provide the biggest contingent, contributing nine players to the provisional squad. Runners-up Kabras Sugar follow with seven representatives, underlining the strong influence of the two leading sides in the domestic competition.
Strathmore Leos, Menengai Oilers, Daystar Falcons and Mwamba RFC each contribute three players, while Nakuru RFC have two representatives. Kisumu RFC, MMUST and Kenya Harlequins complete the selection with one player apiece.
The players are scheduled to begin training at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Wednesday, September 16, as preparations get underway for the new international sevens season.
For the eight debutants, the camp presents an opportunity to make the step from domestic competition to the international stage, while the returning players will seek to reclaim their places in a Shujaa side preparing for a busy calendar.
Kenya Sevens Provisional Squad
KCB: George Ooro, Elvis Olukusi, Vincent Onyala, Samuel Asati, David Nyangige, Nygel Amaitsa, Festus Safari, Richel Wangila, Floyd Wabwire.
Kabras Sugar: Kevin Wekesa, Brian Mutua, Mathias Osimbo, Michael Lukusi, Jackson Siketi, Rayvone Ambale, Patrick Lumumba.
Strathmore Leos: Stanislaus Shikoli, Gabriel Ayimba, Victor Mola.
Menengai Oilers: John Okoth, Glacious Owino, Lucky Onyango.
Daystar Falcons: Clinton Amukwachi, Patrick Odongo, Arnold Agonda.
Mwamba RFC: Eugene Ojiambo, Dennis Ndayala, Antony Omondi.
Nakuru RFC: Chrisant Ojwang, Graham Shimon.
Kenya Harlequins: Brighton Omondi.
Kisumu RFC: Harrison Mauve.
MMUST: Flavian Otiyo.
