Surprise as new coach Simuyu drops Injera from Dubai Sevens squad

Dennis Tarus

November 28, 2016 1:35 PM

Injera was the surprising notable absentee when Simiyu named the squad that departs for Dubai on Monday evening.

Kenyan Winger Collins Injera. He has been dropped from the Kenya Sevens squad scheduled to take part on the Dubai leg of the IRB World Series.

Newly appointed Kenya Sevens coach Innocent Simiyu has dropped all-time record try scorer Collins Injera from the squad that will take part in the Dubai leg of IRB Sevens World Series circuit.

Other key players missing from the Kenya Sevens team are Oscar Ayodi and Sammy Oliech for the opening leg of the 2016/2017 World Rugby Sevens Series that starts this Friday.

Disciplinary issues

According to Nation, sources at Kenya Rugby Union disclosed the reason for the axing of most of the players were as a result of discipline issues following the strike by the team owing to outstanding bonuses.

The Kenya Sevens players had vowed not go back to training until their match bonuses that they say amounted to over Sh23 million from the 2015/2016 season are paid.

“Ouma has just recovered from an illness while we have talked to Injera, who is key to our plan concerning our target and he is not yet there,” Simiyu said downplaying the exclusions.

Kenya have been pooled in Group D where they will play Australia, France and Japan.

Simiyu has however handed two players, Brian Tanga and Darwin Mukidza their World Series debut for the Dubai outing.The Kenyan lionesses will also take part in the Women's International Invitational Category and are in Pool B with Ireland, Belgium, Poland and Tribe 7s.

They will depart for Dubai on Monday night.

Kenya Sevens Squad To Dubai

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

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)

Dennis Tarus