Kenya Rugby Union Director of Rugby, Paul Odera, will head a seven-member selection panel tasked with picking players for Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses ahead of upcoming international assignments.
Odera, a World Rugby Level III coach and rugby educator, will be joined by Kenya Sevens head coach Kevin “Bling” Wambua, former Impala and Kenya Sevens star Oscar Osir, Blak Blad coach Bernard Rotich, and former Kenya Sevens vice-captain Elijah Toili.
This new approach aims to identify players with the potential to represent Shujaa and the Lionesses early and guide them through mentorship by individuals with proven experience both on and off the pitch.
Previously, player selection was carried out by the respective head coaches with support from their technical benches.
The panel is set to hold its first meeting next week, following the conclusion of the National Sevens Series, to select players for both squads in preparation for the international season.
“We have top talent coming up, and with the help of the head coach and the others, our job is to select the best players for the provisional squad,” noted Odera.
The former Kenya Simbas and Chipu tactician expressed his satisfaction with the progress of teams such as Mombasa Sports Club, Mean Machine, and Daystar University, all of whom have made a strong impression in the Sevens circuit, which wraps up this weekend in Kisumu.
“Mombasa playing in the main cup quarterfinals of the Kabeberi Sevens was quite impressive. It’s very encouraging to see Machine play in the top tier after almost seven years in the cold, and hats off to Daystar, who played their first final against KCB last weekend. This shows the tremendous growth of the game in the country.”
The former Kenya Sevens international is anticipating a competitive climax to the Dala Sevens.
“All the teams will be fighting for points and a strong finish. Some players will be hoping to catch the eye of the selectors, and it promises to be entertaining for everyone involved.”
“It’s also encouraging to see the Kenya Sevens players turning out for their clubs, making a difference, and fighting for their positions to be included in the squad that will play at the Safari Sevens in October,” observed Odera.
