Kenya's rugby stars to miss IRB Series in Europe（在线收听） |
NAIROBI, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's rugby stars, Humphrey Kayange and Collins Injera, will be missing from the Kenya team to the last two legs of the 2011/2012 IRB Sevens World Series in Glasgow and London. Kayange, a former captain and leading try scorer and his brother Injera will not feature in the series enders due to school and work commitments head coach Mitch Ocholla confirmed while naming the team on Friday.
The team will welcome back skipper Sydney Ashioya, Lavin Asego and Biko Adema, the regulars who missed the previous two legs in Hong Kong and Japan where Kenya failed to make the Main Cup quarters.
Ocholla added the aim of the side was to end the World Series on a high as he blamed contractual issues as well as the unavailability of key players for their dismal run this season.
"We are falling short of our targets because of the problems we are having. We have to go and better our performance that has been a Main Cup quarters and Plate win in the Las Vegas and Wellington Sevens," the tactician stressed.
Kenya Rugby Union entered into a 3.5 million US dollars sponsorship deal with carrier Kenya Airways that was to see players paid bonuses depending on their performances at the World Series but players have complained about delayed payment.
At the same time, the coach disclosed the country would send a development side to the Roma 7s in Italy that will run from May 17 to 19 as Kenya seeks to have more depth for future IRB Series campaigns.
"We have performed below our expectations and will be seeking at least a Main Cup semi in the two remaining legs and improve on our standings," Ocholla added.
Meanwhile national 15s coach Michael "Tank" Otieno has named new callups for the side that will feature in the return Elgon Cup clash against Uganda on Saturday.
Peter Mutai, Eden Agelo, Tony Onyango and Anthony Mutai have been drafted to the team that will seek to overturn a 19-5 deficit from the first leg in Kampala last weekend.
"We have learnt from our errors which has prompted us to reinforce the lineup with players who will give us the push forward as we plan to defend our title," team manager Wangila Simiyu said on Friday.
The Kenya women's team who also trail Uganda 15-6 from their Women's Elgon Cup first leg clash in Kampala last weekend was also named at the same venue.
"We intend to use our mobile, agile forwards to not only secure and retain possession, but also make inroads into Ugandan territory as we go in pursuit of points and ultimately the Elgon Cup title," said team Manager Yvonne Makwali.
They will be without Captain Abedeen Shikoyi, injured during last weekend's first leg clash and have handed the armband to Doreen Remour in the match where Doris Silantoi will make her debut. |
| 原文地址：http://www.tingroom.com/guide/news/176466.html |