Kenya SVNS 2 squads locked in for Montevideo and São Paulo

Kenya Men’s and Women’s Sevens squads are locked in for HSBC SVNS 2 stops in Uruguay and São Paulo this March.

In the Women’s team there is a return for Judith Auma and Faith Livoi after they missed February’s tournament on home soil. The Lionesses are currently fifth in the overall standings following their exploits in Nairobi.

Men’s Sevens head coach Kevin Wambua has welcomed Brian Tanga back to his Shujaa team. Last time out Kenya finished third overall after they were in hot contention for top spot on Day 2 at Nyayo National Stadium.

After fifth-place finish last time out Simon Odongo, Kenya Women’s Sevens head coach, said: “Looking at the overall picture, we struggled at kickoff restarts in many games and our decision-making in some matches – where we chose to kick instead of pass or ran into opponents instead of looking for space.

“In regards to kick-off reception, we don’t have tall girls, so we have to adapt and improve the lifter and the catcher going forward.”

Kevin Wambua, Kenya Men’s Sevens head coach, said: “What hurt most in our final game against the USA was our decision-making. When we had the ball, we were not patient enough to stretch defences, and our work at the breakdown committed too many bodies, leaving gaps for teams to exploit.

“From what we saw in Nairobi, teams make adjustments and tweak their strategies. We will be ready and are relishing the battle. Our ultimate target is to gain promotion back to Division One by the end of the season.”

The Lionesses begin their tournament against China before matches against Kenya, Spain, South Africa and Brazil. The Shujaa start their South America campaign with the USA ahead of matches with Canada, Belgium, Germany and Uruguay.

After this weekend’s tournament in Montevideo all 12 teams will travel to São Paulo for the final round of SVNS 2 competition.

Finishing in the top four of the overall standings will secure teams with a place at HSBC SVNS World Championship events in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux.

Kenya Women’s squad for Montevideo & São Paulo

Sheila Chajira
Naomi Amuguni
Charity Nillah
Stellah Wafula
Edith Nariaka
Judith Auma
Sinaida Mokaya
Moreen Muritu
Janet Okello
Freshia Oduor
Marvel Oswago
Christabel Lindo
Faith Livoi

Kenya Men’s squad for Montevideo & São Paulo

George Ooro (CC)
Samuel Asati (CC)
Vincent Onyala
Kevin Wekesa
Nygel Amaitsa
Dennis Abukuse
John Okoth
Kevin Wambua
Patrick Odongo
Gabriel Ayimba
Chrisant Ojwang
Festus Shiasi
Floyd Wabwire
David Nyangige