Onyango: Ayera’s inclusion spells long-term 7s scheme
For the future. 18-year-old Ayera in action for Pirates against Hippos in the National Sevens Circuit. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO.
What you need to know:
- Rugby. Uganda will play in the Oktoberfest 7s between September 29-30 to test how ready they are to defend their Africa Cup.
KAMPALA. Sevens rugby in Uganda has enjoyed a fruitful last 18 months years or so after suffering hibernation at the expense of 15s.
Cranes coach Tolbert Onyango’s wish since he came into the fold has been for Uganda Rugby Union (URU) to put in place a strict Sevens policy.
He has not left it to the Union alone as he knows he can play a major role too by budding youngsters into the sevens set up early on like he has done with 18-year- old Desire Ayera.
Ayera, a forward, made the grade to represent Uganda at the Oktoberfest 7s and the upcoming Africa Cup despite being new on the scene.
“I have included him as part of a long term 7s strategy,” Onyango told Daily Monitor. “If you look at the side, it’s the same age bracket and we are looking at bringing in younger players to ensure continuity in the side,” he explained.
Ayera’s hunger and popularity among his teammates also contributed to his selection despite having no international experience under his belt.
“We need more hunger in the side and Ayera has fire in the belly and at the same time he’s exciting,” observed Onyango.
Onyango also realises need for a long term sevens policy because of what the side has experiencing in the last one year. The exposure and massive improvement has left the side hungry for more yet only staying in the picture on a permanent basis can satisfy the hunger.
Like his coach, his captain Eric Kasiita believes Ayera ticks all the boxes to spearhead the next generation of sevens rugby as Uganda thrives to emulate neighbours Kenya, who have globally established themselves as a sevens power house.
“He is young, fast and strong and has been doing well since he started training with us in December last year and he deserves to experience his fair share of experience at the top level because he has a bright future,” he said.
Rugby Cranes’ Sevens team
R. Govule, E. Kasiita (captain), D. Ayera, A. Kasiito, J. Ijongat, M. Wokorach, P. Wokorach, J. Odong, T. Kisiiga, P. Ogena, B. Kikaawa, F. Odur.
