Injured Amonde eyes Sydney World Rugby Series return
Xinhua,January 11, 2018 Adjust font size:
NAIROBI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Sevens rugby team got a huge boost ahead of the Sydney and Hamilton legs of the World Rugby Sevens Series with return to action of captain Andrew Amonde.
Head coach Innocent Simiyu said the team suffered in his absence in the first two rounds of the World Series in Dubai and Cape Town, with Kenya posting only 10 and three points from the two rounds.
Now with their utility man, who is also the team's skipper, the coach was optimistic that Kenya would do well in Sydney and Hamilton.
"Amonde's experience and agility to adapt to different playing format is exceptional. You don't find it in many players. He is back in training and is definitely up for selection in the final team for the trip," said Simiyu on Wednesday in Nairobi.
The Kenyan player had to undergo a hernia surgery in September which delayed his return to action as the 2017-18 series kicked off in November in Dubai. He also missed the trip to Cape Town early December.
Amonde is also happy to have shaken off the injury and is focused on pushing his body to regain match fitness ahead of the trip to Sydney and Hamilton.
"Being back with the boys is great. We have quite a tough season ahead and it is great to return early enough," the experienced Amonde opined.
Collins Injera and Billy Odhiambo have also both returned to light training, but Simiyu said they may not be fully fit to play until the next tour in Vegas and Vancouver in March.
"It is a huge boost in terms of planning. We have to be on top form for Commonwealth and the World Cup and having a fully fit squad by then is a big plus for us and raises our hopes of getting a medal and we believe we will secure one," the tactician further said.
Kenya have picked up 13 points from a target of 20 after the opening two rounds of the Sevens World Series.
Kenya target to hit the 100 point mark this season. The closest they came to attain this feat was in 2013 under Englishman Mike Friday as they finished fourth with 99 points. Enditem