Mayar Handed Shujaa Debut | Lionesses Call Up Nyerere | KRU Unveil New National Squads Kit
The inspiration for both the home and away shirts was drawn from African tribal body painting, along with the colours of the country’s flag, proudly adhering to the roots of the Kenyan people.
The in-house design team at Samurai Sportswear worked over several months in conjunction with a specialist external creative artist to ensure that Kenyan culture, traditions and heritage are fully represented in the Kenya Rugby Union shirts for 2017.
Speaking at the kit launch ceremony at the RFUEA Ground on Friday, KRU Chairman Richard Omwela said, “The designers have spent time receiving inputs in terms of requirements and preferences and have come up with this kit. We look forward to seeing our teams playing in this kit during next week’s Hong Kong Sevens and in future assignments. “
SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri who lauded the move reiterated that he was elated with the strides the teams have been able to achieve this far. “It is a demonstration that when true talent is supported and motivated the end result is outstanding,” he said.
“The company remains committed to supporting sustainable sports development in the country, and to this end, we will continue to leverage on our relationship with our partners to ensure that local players, local coaches and administrators benefit.” He added
The colours that are featured on the shirt are all said to have different meanings. Black is to represent the people of the Republic of Kenya, whilst red is for the blood shed during the fight for independence. Green is for the country’s landscape and natural wealth and white is used to symbolise peace and honesty.
A pattern of dots has been placed on the left sleeve of the shirt, along with the traditional Maasai shield, to create an image of the Kenyan flag. The Maasai shield, with the spears, is said to represent the defence of the country’s freedom. The African lion taken from the KRU logo, placed across the body of both shirts, is representative of the courage of the Kenyan people, as well as highlighting the country’s proud association with the animal. The legend behind and the inspiration for these fully sublimated shirts will no doubt encourage any player who wears them, to perform to the best of their abilities.
Samurai has worked with the Kenya Rugby Union and other elite teams to engineer the innovative match kit that performs in tangent with the athlete. The OMG ICONIX™ test rugby jerseys on-field features including high-performance 4DX fabric, integrated performance collar and anti-pinch underarm panelling allow a full range of movement and use Samurai’s exclusive wicking and breathable PerformeX™ fabrics.
These jerseys not only look and feel good, they also enable a player to unleash their full potential, which contributes to the team’s success.
Ombachi, Tanga Recalled; Mayar Handed Shujaa Debut
Brian Tanga and Dennis Ombachi return to the Shujaa squad while 23-year Resolution Impala Saracens winger Derrick Mayar is in line for his debut as Head Coach Innocent Simiyu named his 13 man squad for next weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens.
Tanga returns for the first time since the Sydney Sevens while Ombachi makes his first appearance of the season.
The trio comes in for Billy Odhiambo (hamstring), Oscar Ayodi (knee) and Leonard Mugaisi who has been rested for this tour.
Head Coach Innocent Simiyu, while announcing the team on Friday afternoon, said, “ Derrick Mayar has excelled well in training and we have given him a maiden call-up while Ombachi, who returns to the squad for his first appearance of the year gives us a different dynamic to the team, he is a strong running back.”
Shujaa have been grouped in Pool B with South Africa, Canada and France. The team departs for Hong Kong on Monday morning.
The squad
Andrew Amonde (KCB, Captain), Willy Ambaka, Eden Agero, Frank Wanyama (SportPesa Quins), Derrick Mayar ,Samuel Oliech (Resolution Impala Saracens), Dennis Ombachi (Nondescripts), Brian Tanga, Daniel Sikuta (Kabras Sugar), Bush Mwale (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Augustine Lugonzo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru)
Management: Innocent Simiyu (Head Coach), Samuel Njogu (S&C), Will Webster (Performance Analyst), Erick Ogweno (Team Manager)
Nyerere Included In Lionesses Squad
Meanwhile, Mwamba’s Prisca Nyerere has been handed her Lionesses debut as Head Coach Kevin Wambua named his 12 strong squads for the Women’s Sevens World Series qualifiers in Hong Kong on 6th/7th April.
The Mwamba starlet has been in fine form during the KRU’s Women’s 10s series joins a settled squad that will fight it out with hosts Hong Kong, Belgium and Argentina in Pool B action.
Head Coach Kevin Wambua said, “We are taking it a game at a time.Our target is to first make the cup quarters and take it from there
Lionesses
Phila Orlando, AballaCathAbdalla, Celestine Masinde, Doreen Remour, Grace Adhiambo, Irene Otieno, Janet Owino, Stacey Awuor, Sinaida Aura, Sheila Chajira, Linet Moraa, Priscah Nyerere
Management: Kevin Wambua (Head Coach), Camilyne Aguayo (Team Manager), Ben Mahinda (Physio), Samuel Njogu (Physio)
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