Injera back as Shujaa prepare for SA trip
Alex Njue
Kenya sevens rugby team is now fully focused on the Summer Olympics after head coach Innocent Simiyu named a 21-man squad for an intense 10-day training camp at Kasarani that kicked off on Wednesday.
The training will also serve as preparation for the Rugby Africa Men 7s solidarity camp in Stellenbosch, South Africa, next month.
The return of Collins Injera and Dennis Ombachi into the team has rugby fans buzzing with Kenya expected to play South Africa, Zimbabwe and Uganda in a 10-day four-team camp between May 6-16.
“Injera’s experience is definitely an asset for the team. His understanding of the game is unrivaled. He is fully available for selection going forward,” said Simiyu.
Shujaa are back in training less than two weeks after the Emirates Invitational 7s where they finished fifth.
Shujaa team manager Eric Ogweno is grateful for support by the government to ensure the players are focused.
“The Ministry of Sports under the leadership of Ambassador Amina Mohammed through the National Sports Fund have done an excellent job with the preps.
No allowances pending. Players and staff can fully focus on their core business,” Ogweno told People Sport.
The Stellenbosch event will be the third major tournament for Shujaa this year.
In February Shujaa were in Madrid and returned to Kasarani for their second camp before departing for Dubai last month.
The Stellenbosch camp is aimed at assisting teams that have already qualified for the Olympics -- Kenya and South Africa -- tune up for the Games and Olympics Repechage contestants -- Uganda and Zimbabwe -- prepare for the qualifiers.
Shujaa suffered a blow after flyhalf Sammy Oliech injured his ankle in training in Dubai.
But the good news is that Nelson Oyoo has recovered from a mild concussion and the team will be spoilt for choice with the return of all-time favourite Injera.
