NAIROBI, Kenya, January 15- Rugby 7s head coach, Paul Treu, has a selection headache in his hands following the return to full fitness of stalwarts such as star siblings, veteran Humphery Kayange and Collins Injera.
For the first time in his reign, the South African has a full squad to chose for the fourth leg of the HSBC World Series in Las Vegas with dependable winger Dennis Ombachi and Nakuru RFC’s Oscar Ouma, also in contention for the 12 berths available in the travelling party.
The availability of the key players gives Treu options to fill in positions the team struggled in the last three rounds of World Series, Gold Coast, Dubai and Nelson Mandela Bay sevens ahead of the January 24 to 26 Vegas tournament.
He is expected to plug in Kayange in the centre position to combine with captain Andrew Amonde to prevent cheap concession of tries while upfront, the returning Injera and Ombachi are likely to lead the attack.
According to Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) boss, Mwangi Muthee, 20 core players are fit to travel meaning the task to trim the squad to 12 will be a hard ask for Treu who will unveil his squad on Friday.
“Rather than thinking too much about who will be in the team for Las Vegas and Wellington that is scheduled for February 7 and 8, squad members are looking forward to a good performance,” the KRU chief said on Wednesday.
“It is not about who is in the team and who is out. We have the spirit of one for all and all for one team.
“We have each other’s back and this is an enviable position to be in since we have many squad members available for selection,” he continued.
The team will depart for the USA on Saturday with Treu yet to lead his charges to any silverware after bowing out in the last two rounds, Dubai and Port Elizabeth, at the Main Cup quarters.
On both occasion, Treu was undone by his former charges, Blitz Bokkes, as Muthee urged the team to deliver its first trophy in their tour to America and New Zealand.
“The team will be encouraged to know one of the team’s best supporters, President Uhuru Kenyatta, will be following on them closely in Las Vegas and Wellington outings.
“I should let them know the President upped the stakes by saying supporters were hungry for success and time to win a Cup is now.”
The KRU chairman added the team has a two year running programme and encouraged all players to fulfill their full potential.
“There will be equal opportunity in selection all the time, among none and contracted players, so everyone should be on their toes,” he concluded.
Kenya faces Nelson Mandela Bay champions South Africa, Wales and Canada for the USA outing.