Kenya: Mcgrath Names Two Debutants for Season Opening Hong Kong 7s

By Timothy Olobulu

Nairobi — Shujaa head coach Damian McGrath has named two new faces into Kenya's squad that heads out for the World Rugby Sevens Series season opening leg in Hong Kong next weekend.

Strathmore's George "Japolo" Ooro and Dennis Abukuse of Menengai Oilers will drape in the Kenyan jersey for the first time ever in Hong Kong, having impressed for their various clubs during the concluded National Sevens Circuit.

"I have no club bias and I pick according to what I see and come across. These guys have been very impressive and lets hope they will give their best in Hong Kong. I am really pleased with many exciting players that we are adding into the system and the senior guys are now looking over their shoulders and knowing there is competition," the tactician stated.

Abukuse, speaking after he was named in the squad, said he was excited to be getting into the team for the first time ever.

"I feel so happy and I am thankful for the management for giving me this opportunity. It is through hard work and patience and I believe it always pays. For the past two weeks, I have learnt a lot and I am sure I will do well if given the opportunity in my first ever tournament," said the Oilers man.

McGrath has retained the experienced core of the team and the only absentee from the team that played at the Rugby World Cup is Sammy Oliech who has been ruled out due to work commitments.

The Kenyan boys have been drawn with Ireland, Argentina and Canada in the same group.

"It is a tough pool. Ireland were third at the World Cup, Argentina is also one of the top teams. It is a difficult start but we will give our best. For all the issues we have we are focused on doing well and ensuring we represent the country well," said the coach.

His sentiments were shared by skipper Nelson Oyoo. "We have trained well and the focus is now on delivering good performances and raise the flag high."

Shujaa squad for Hong Kong

Nelson Oyoo (captain), Vincent Onyala (Vice Captain), Bush Mwale , Willy Ambaka , Billy Odhiambo, Johnstone Olindi, Daniel Taabu, Edmund Anya, Anthony Omondi, Herman Humwa, Kevin Wekesa, Dennis Abukuse, George Ooro.

This article originally appeared in Capital FM

Photo: Roy Issa