NAIROBI, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Sevens team will miss the service of five key players ahead of their trip to Dubai for the World Sevens Series, which starts on Dec. 1 in the United Arab Emirates.
Top try scorer Collins Injera, former captain Andrew Amonde, Willy Ambaka, Sammy Oliech, and Nelson Oyoo have been declared unavailable for service forcing head coach Paul Murunga to name a young untested side as he launches his tenure at the helm of the country's technical bench.
"The experienced players are still in France, where they were part of Kenya 15s team for the Repechage World Cup qualifier and will not be ready for the Sevens tournament in Dubai. We may consider them for later competitions," Murunga said on Thursday in Nairobi.
Kenya lost out in the four-team competition and will miss the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Murunga, who took over from Innocent Simiyu this month has however given his nod to youngsters Daniel Taabu and Johnstone Olindi after they impressed in the International Safari Sevens tournament, which was staged in Nairobi last month.
"I have opted to blend both youth and experience because the level of competition is high and we need to groom these young players to take over the team in future for the Olympic and World Cup qualification," said Murunga.
Half-back Eden Agero has been named as the new captain for the tour of Dubai and Cape Town, South Africa, which will stage the first two rounds of the 10-stop World Series.
The only other players who made the team last season and has been retained include Eric Ombasa, Dennis Ombachi, Herman Humwa and Jeff Oluoch.
However, there is also the return of Leonard Mugaisi for the first time since 2016/17 season while Alvin Otieno and Samuel Motari, who won Singapore 7s in 2016 are also named in the squad of 14. Coming back into the fort is Samuel Motari, Alvin Otieno, Leonard Mugaisi and Charles Omondi. Enditem
