“We do have our challenges and I think we need to solve them out before it’s too late. In a couple of years we have been facing the same thing at this time when a new season is about to begin,” Injera, the younger brother of veteran Humphrey Kayange urged.
NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 28 – All-time World Rugby Sevens Series top try scorer Collins Injera has been dropped from the Kenya Sevens team to take part in the opening leg of the 2016/17 season in Dubai this weekend.
Injera is among four regular players axed when head coach Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu named his first ever 12-man squad on Monday ahead of the team’s departure Monday night.
Others who were omitted are winger Oscar Ouma from Nakuru RFC, Homeboyz centre Oscar Ayodi, Impala Saracens fullback Sammy Oliech and winger Bush Mwale who are said to be unfit.
Injera’s omission was as a result of leading the team on a go-slow for a week where they boycotted training demanding Sh23m bonus arrears from the 2015/16 season.
READ: Bonus arrears took us by surprise, says KRU boss
The team agreed to travel after the government and KRU promised to pay the bonus arrears.
Director of Administration at the Ministry of Sports, Haron Komen met the players and the KRU board members on Saturday and resolved the stalemate which had engulfed the team.
Komen said the players should expect Sh13m this week while KRU committed to pay Sh8m.
Dan Sikuta and Martin Owila from KCB returned to the team that will be captained by Andrew Amonde while Kabras Sugar’s Brian Tanga as well as KCB fly half Darwin Mukidza will make their debut.
The team is drawn in Pool D and will face France in their opening match on Friday before taking on Japan and then lock horns with Australia in their last preliminary round fixture.
– Kenya Lionesses –
The Kenya Lionesses team displaying the SportPesa new kit during the launch.PHOTO/Raymond Makhaya
In the women’s team, head coach Kevin Wambua has made two changes ahead of their invitational tournament in Dubai.
Grace Adhiambo and Linet Moraa are the new inclusions from the side that lost 21-17 to South Africa in the Africa Cup Sevens cup final in September.
The Kenya Lionesses are drawn in Pool B alongside Ireland, Belgium, Poland and Tribe 7s.
Kenya squad:
Dan Sikuta, Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Martin Owila, Andrew Amonde, Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Frank Wanyama, William Ambaka (SportPesa Quins), Leonard Mugaisi, Cyprian Kuto, Augustine Lugonzo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba), Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru).
Management: Innocent Simiyu (Head Coach), Ian Gibbons (S&C Coach), Lameck Bogonko (Physio), Erick Ogweno (Team Manager).
Kenya Lionesses squad:
Philadelphia Olando, Catherine Abillah, Celestine Masinde, Doreen Remour, Grace Adhiambo, Janet Okello, Janet Owino, Stacy Awuor, Sinaida Aura, Linet Moraa, Sheila Chajira, Irene Otieno.
Management: Kevin Wambua (Head Coach), Samuel Njogu (S&C Coach), Ben Mahinda (Physio), Camilyne Oyuayo (Team Manager).
