THREE new faces shave been included in the national women’s team for the World Rugby Sevens qualifiers slated for August 22-23 in Dublin, Ireland.
KCB duo of Sinaida Aura and Janet Akelo, alongside Linet Moraa of Quins have been given the nod for the qualifiers.
Announcing the squad yesterday, Mike Shamia said their goal is to be among the two teams that will make the cut to the world series. “We have trained hard for the past six weeks including improving on our conditioning and skill and the girls are ready for the challenge,” noted Shamia.
He said they will play two friendlies in Ireland in a bid to test their strength ahead of the qualifters. “We have been speaking with various team managers from other countries with a view of engaging in friendlies,” he noted.
Kenya are in tricky Pool ‘B’ and open their campiagn against China before facing Netherlands and Colombia. “China play similar style to Kenya. They are very expansive and love to spread the ball wide.
Netherlands are physical and very direct while Colombia are an unknown quantity but we expect a formidable challenge from them,” he said. Shamia said he expects an improved display from last year’s World Series qualifiers in Hong Kong, where Kenya finished a disappointing 11 out 12 countries.
Brazil, who have already qualified for the Olympics as hosts, will play Wales, Japan and Samoa in Pool ‘A’ while hosts Ireland will take on South Africa, Hong Kong and Mexico in Pool ‘C’.
Shamia hailed the impact of South African technical advisor Aschin Klein, who has been giving the team tips during training. “He has been with the girls for the past six weeks in training and has brought fresh ideas in terms of attack, defence and play structure,” he noted.
Director of women’s rugby Paula Lanco said the sport is growing fast in the country. “Two years ago we had 200 active girls playing the game but now we have over 500. We are delighted to see sport being played at secondary school level as it was evident during the recent ball games in Nyeri last June,” added Lanco. Catherine Abilla will skipper the side and will be assisted by Camilyne Oyuayo. The teams departs on Tuesday and are expected back in the country on August 25.
Squad: Camilyne Ayuayo (KCB), Janet Owino (Quins) Rachel Mbogo (Quins), Sheila Chajira (Quins), Irene Atieno (Quins), Doreen Remuor (Mwamba), Celestine Masinde (Mwamba), Philadelphia Olando (KCB), Catherine Abila (KCB), Sinaida Aura (KCB) Janet Akelo (KCB) and Linet Moraa (KCB); Non-travelling reserves are— Janet Midecha (KCB), Camila Cynthia (Quins) and Mary Musieka (Quins); Officials: Shamia (head coach), Kevin Wambua (assistant coach), Sarah Otieno (team manager), Ben Mahinda (physio), and Aschin Klein (technical advisor).
