NAIROBI, Kenya, January 18- Horace Otieno and Innocent Simiyu are the notable absentees in the Kenya Sevens team that will do battle at the Wellington and Las Vegas legs of the 2010/2011 IRB Sevens Series.
Collins Injera, Biko Adema and Lavin Asego have been recalled into the side that failed to register a point in their last tour to Dubai and George.
Veteran Kenya Harlequins utility back Sidney Ashioya also makes a return to the national set up.
Former Nakuru bruiser Edwin Shimenga has not made the team.
“Buyachi and Ouma have been part of the general squad for sometime. There also part of the rebuilding phase. We decided to use the first few tournaments to blood in the new players,” said coach Benjamin Ayimba.
As the series progresses, we hope to have the tried and tested who we believe will be available,” he added.
Peter Ocholla who sustained a knee injury in Dubai has been included in the tour party. Patrice Agunda has been given another chance to prove his worth in New Zealand and the United States after an impressive showing last time out.
Mwamba ace Edgar Abere who was voted most valuable player of the 2010 National Sevens Circuit is penciled in as a non traveling reserve.
Kenya failed to reach their minimum target of a main cup quarter final in either of the first two legs.
Humphrey Kayange and Co. only had the shield title they won in South Africa to show for their efforts.
The Safaricom Sevens champions have a mountain to climb at the Westpac Stadium on February 4-5 where they will face defending series champions Samoa, Tonga and Australia in Pool C.
Squad:
Humphrey Kayange (captain), Sidney Ashioya, Collins Injera, Biko Adema, Leon Adongo, Andrew Amonde, Gibson Weru, Brian Nyikuli, Patrice Agunda, Wilson Kopondo, Oscar Ouma, Peter Ocholla, Lawrence Buyachi, Lavin Asego.
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