OLANDO BACK IN SIMBAS SQUAD: Homeboyz half back Masai earns his senior team call in 15s side

Kenya Shujaa Fabian Olando takes on Simba Saba's Elton Isaiho during their shield semi-finals during Safari sevens tournament match at Kasarani stadium on 28-09-2014.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has made three changes to the squad that beat Brazil 18-17 in an away international test match in Macapa.

The squad unveiled yesterday is for the back to back Africa Cup division 1A fixtures against Zimbabwe and Namibia on July 9 and 16 in Harare and Windhoek.

The South African has given Homeboyz’s half back Kelvin Masai his maiden senior national team call-up and recalled the Kabras duo of Fabian Olando and Max Adaka as well as former skipper Innocent Simiyu who is back in the fold for the first time since 2010. The quartet replaces Vincent Mose, Oliver Mang’eni and Nato Simiyu who are all unavailable due to work commitments and Samson Onsomu who was an unused sub in Brazil.

Speaking after naming the 23-man strong squad at the RFUEA Grounds yesterday, Team Manager Simiyu Wangila said they don’t feel any pressure ahead of the trip.

“The pressure is on Zimbabwe. We have been privileged to win two away fixtures already, it has prepared us mentally for the match away,” said Wangila.

Olando is excited on his return to the team and is raring to go after being sidelined with a shoulder injury.

“It is something that I have been waiting for and I am happy the coach has given me the opportunity again. I am ready to work hard and fight for a place in the team,” said Olando.
The team to be captained by Brian Nyikuli departs for Harare today at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Sevens rugby team will kick off their Pool C Rio Olympic Games campaign on August 9 at 6pm with a clash against the Great Britain before facing New Zealand in what is expected to be a tough tie.