Injera named in Kenya squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Kenya have sprung a surprise with the inclusion of World Sevens star Collins Injera in their 30-man squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers in Marseille. The second-leading try-scorer in HSBC circuit history, Injera has not played for the Simbas since 2014. He is joined by series regulars Andrew Amonde, Samuel Oliech, Willy Ambaka, and Nelson Oyoo.

As expected former captain Wilson Kopondo is one of four second rows named, another is Simon Muniafu who spent the 2017-18 season in France. A notable addition who was not part of the original training squad is powerhouse No8 Joshua Chisanga, who spent two years on contract with Newcastle Falcons in the English Premiership.

Head coach Ian Snook, from New Zealand, has opted for seven loose forwards with the versatile George Nyambua also capable of covering lock. There is no shortage of options in the back row with incumbent skipper Davis Chenge a formidable ball carrier and Amonde adding both physicality and open-field ability.

Three uncapped players make the squad. Oyoo is yet to make his 15-a-side debut. Also new to the squad are prop Ephraim Oduor and Welsh-born fullback William Reeve. The latter is currently part of the British Army regiment based in Nanyuki, but he qualifies through his father who was born in Nairobi.

The Simbas will depart Nairobi on October 31 with a warm-up match against Romania ‘A’ set for November 3 at Ghencea Stadium in Bucharest. Kenya will face Canada on November 11 followed by Hong Kong and Germany in the round-robin Repechage tournament to determine the final spot in the 2019 World Cup.

A detailed squad list can be seen here.

FORWARDS
Moses Amusala (KCB), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras), Joseph Odero (Kabras), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras), Patrick Ouko (Homeboyz), Philip Ikambili (Homeboyz), Colman Were (Kabras), Wilson Kopondo (Harlequin), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Simon Muniafu (Impala), Malcolm Onsando (Harlequin), Andrew Amonde (KCB), Davis Chenge (capt., KCB), Joshua Chisanga (Homeboyz), Dalmus Chituyi (Homeboyz), Elkeans Musonye (Strathmore Leos), George Nyambua (Kabras), Martin Owilah (KCB)

BACKS
Mohamed Omollo (Homeboyz), Samson Onsomu (Impala), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Samuel Oliech (Impala), Felix Ayange (Kabras), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Leo Seje (Impala), Willy Ambaka (Harlequin), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru), Tony Onyango (Homeboyz), William Reeve (Harlequin)