Kenya Sevens and Menengai Oilers' forward John Okoth will miss the Safari Sevens after undergoing surgery.
He is also a doubt for the Dubai and Cape Town legs of the World Sevens Series. Okoth, one of Shujaa's standout players in the recent past, suffered a tibia injury during the Kabeberi Sevens a fortnight ago.
Tibia fracture surgery takes three to six months to heal. “Wishing our Johnnie ‘Diego’ Okoth a quick recovery after successful surgery. Godspeed Diego,” the Oilers posted on their social media platforms.
Kenya Sevens team manager Steve Sewe said they will monitor his progress in the coming weeks and months.
“Yes, we got confirmation from his club that he underwent surgery so we will monitor him as he recuperates. He is definitely out of Safari Sevens and depending on the severity of the injury, he may not be available for the opening two legs of the circuit in December," said Sewe.
There are also injury concerns on the Kabras duo of Brian Tanga (wrist) and Lamech Ambetsa (ankle).
Sewe said they will equally monitor them before the Kenya Sevens pre-season starts later this month.
"It's been a gruelling Sevens circuit and we need to find how many have picked up injuries and how many are available for the start of the pre-season,” added Sewe
Sewe expects stiff competition for both Shujaa and Morans in Safari sevens slated for October 11-13.
“There is talent coming through the Sevens circuit and everyone will be given a chance to top prove himself once we start our pre-season,” added Sewe.
He said Shujaa have to improve in several facets of play ahead of World Sevens Series kickoffs in Dubai.
“Kickoff, reception, defence and attack must be better. The Sevens Series is unforgiving and mistakes are punished ruthlessly."
Sewe said they have had engagements with Kenya Rugby Union on getting tournaments for Morans once the squad is selected.
It's key they get exposure and become our feeder team. We are not just looking at the World Seven Series but also at the next Commonwealth Games and the Los Angeles Olympics,” observed Sewe.
