Kenya 7s

‘It’s not like they have been chased away’- Kenya 7s coach speaks on Onyala, Omondi situation

By Amanga collins

Posted on November 21, 2024

Kenya 7s captains Tony Omondi and Vincent Onyala in Challenger Series. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique

Kenya 7s head coach Kevin Wambua has hinted that co-captains Vincent Onyala and Anthony Omondi might be available for the 2025 World 7s Series.

The two, who are among the most experienced members of the squad, will miss the opening two legs.

Kenya 7s duo absence

Their absence is due to their failure to sign new contracts following a disagreement. Wambua insists they have been in communication and hopes the issues will be resolved before the third leg.

Kenya 7s captain Vincent Onyala races on for a try. PHOTO/Mike Lee for World Rugby.

“In regards to Tony and Onyala, we have been in constant communication. For them, it’s just contractual issues, something that we are talking about and hopefully by the time we come back and start the next block, everything will be sorted,” he announced.

“And it’s not like they have been chased away by anybody. It’s just that they haven’t signed a contract and they aren’t available for the first two legs,” he added.

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“You also have to understand that even if they showed up, there are KPIs such as fitness which they have to meet since they have not been around for a while,” he explained.

The coach believes it is an opportunity to build depth and develop more leaders in the team.

“It is also an opportunity to build depth since it is going to be a long season. It’s an important season for us as we want to retain core status. We take the opportunity to build depth in terms of leadership and exposing more players,” he said.

Mwamba players in a past event. PHOTO/Tony Omond/X

“If you look at the set-up, 3/4 took part in the Safari 7s for Morans and Shujaa. At the end of the day, we know individual players bring individual qualities, but if you want to be at the top and stay at the top, it should be a system and it has to be a process,” he said.

In their absence, Samuel Asati and George Ooro will lead the side.