Kabras’ Kevin Wekesa and Tony Omondi of Mwamba have been called up to the Kenya Sevens squad for the Dubai Sevens slated for next weekend.

Wekesa excelled for Shujaa during the Safari Sevens with his bursting runs and hard-hitting defence while Omondi has had exemplary training sessions and gets the nod for the trip to the Middle East.

Impala’s Edward Anya makes a return after a three-year absence.

Announcing the squad on Friday, head coach Innocent Simiyu said: “Wekesa has a lot of potential. We view him as the next Andrew Amonde. Omondi was in line for his debut in Vancouver until a concussion ruled him out.”

“Anya played well during the pre-season Safari 7s and apart from his pace and ball-carrying ability, he brings another dimension in the air.”

Nelson Oyoo captains the side that also includes the likes of Alvin Otieno, Johnstone Olindi and Herman Humwa.

Simiyu, who captained the side between 2007 and 2010 said they have worked on the kickoff reception and defensive alignment.

“We reviewed our performance from the Safari Sevens and realised that these areas where we struggled and in the past two weeks we have worked on them in training” added Simiyu

Simiyu’s charges face Olympic bronze medallists Argentina, USA and Spain in a tricky Pool ‘B’ and the tactician said it will be a competitive pool.

“Argentina have been a bogey side in our past encounters. We must nullify their strengths. The USA are physical and quick and the games between our teams have been close while Spain are on the up and will want to prove a point,” added Simiyu

The team leaves on Sunday morning and will have four days to acclimatise in Dubai before action kicks off on Friday with their opening match against USA. This will be followed by Argentina and close their preliminaries with a tie against the Spanish.

The top two teams in each pool advance to the quarters.

Squad: Nelson Oyoo ( Nakuru, captain), Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin), Alvin Otieno (KCB), Johnstone Olindi (KCB), Levi Amunga (KCB), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba), Daniel Taabu (Mwamba), Tony Omondi (Mwamba), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Jeff Oluoch (Homeboyz), Alvin Marube (Impala Saracens), Edmund Anya (Impala Saracens), Timothy Mmasi (Masinde Muliro), Kelvin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar) Management: Innocent Simiyu (Head Coach), Mike Shamiah (Assistant Coach, Skills), Anthony Muchiri (Assistant Coach, Strength & Conditioning), Lamech Francis (Physio), Erick Ogweno (Manager).

COURTESY