4 Resolution Impala Saracens players have been called up to the provisional Kenya Sevens squad. The 4 players are set to join 41 other players for trials this weekend. After culling, the squad will begin preparations for the Africa Cup Championship as it builds up to the 2018/19 HSBC 7s Series which begins on 30th November 2018 in Dubai. Read on to better understand each player’s targets
Paul Mutsami – hooker
Although I have received 2 call ups to the Kenya Simbas in the past, this is my first time ever getting a call up to the Kenya 7s provisional squad. The 2018 National Sevens Circuit was challenging. Impala performed differently than we had planned, but I am still happy that I made it into the Dala 7s dream team & this provisional squad. Receiving a call up is easy, but staying within the team is always difficult. I aim on working hard to retain a spot in the 7s team. I cannot wait to tour the world while donning the national colours.
Mark Kwemoi – fly-half
This is my 2nd time getting called up to the 7s provisional squad. Even after emerging 2017 NSC MVP, I found it challenging sticking within the core structure of the team & settled within the Kenya 7s academy set up. I learnt a very important virtue while at the academy – Patience. I have also learnt that persistence wins big. A 2nd call up definitely means there is something I must be doing right. If all goes well, I target on making it for 2 legs of the 2018-19 edition.
Motari Samuel – winger/centre
Although Samuel Motari won the 2016 Singapore 7s, he recalls not having the much game time he so desired. “This time, I want to pursue 7s with keen interest. Impala did not perform as desired during the 2018 National Sevens Circuit, but we have to laud the boys for picking themselves up more times than they fell down. With the introduction of players like Patrick Mutuku & Anthony Odhiambo, we found new energy. Their acts of rejuvenation have started charting a course through the river bed. Give them one more season. They will be the best 7s players in the country. My inclusion in the 7s provisional squad offers me a new opportunity to rekindle what injury robbed me for the past 2 years.”
Sammy Oliech – half-back
I came out of the 2017-18 HSBC sevens series with injury. The period between then and now has been filled with rehab sessions. I have been working very hard in the gym and on the pitch with my Impala teammates. I have not yet tested to prove match fitness, but if the test were done today, I would tick all boxes. Playing at the World Rugby 7s Series Level requires one to always innovate and be on top of their game & that’s the reason why I have taken up self initiative to perfect my kicking and sharpen my playmaking skills.
Kenya 7s Provisional Squad
Resolution Impala Saracens – Paul Mutsami, Mark Kwemoi, Samuel Motari, Samuel Oliech. Stanbic Mwamba -Eliakim Kichoi, Ronnie Omondi, Daniel Taabu, Matt Wanjia, Collins Injera, Billy Odhiambo. Nondescripts -
