Eight-time Kenya Cup champions KCB Rugby have snapped up crowd-favourite Alvin “Buffa” Otieno from Homeboyz.
Otieno has been a revelation for Kenya Sevens in the past two seasons with his massive hits and try-scoring prowess and will give the title holders a different dimension in both attack and defence. Assistant coach Dennis 'Ironman' Mwanja said they needed to sign young quality players now that most of their experienced mainstays are in transition.
"If you look at our squad, the likes of Oliver Mangeni, Curtis Lilako, and Andrew Amonde are all aging and we need to get younger players who can maintain our standards and enable us to keep winning trophies," said Mwanja. The former Kenya Sevens international said competition for places in the squad will be intense following the signings.
“It's a long season and everyone wants to play and whoever stands out in training will get a chance,” he said. Mwanja said the signings will give the side different dimensions and game plans for the season, which starts on November 27. “With players like Samuel Asati, who can come off the bench and increase the tempo, and Wahinya, who has the experience to control the game and play at a slower pace, we have many options to work with in the new season," noted Mwanja.
KCB chairman Xavier Makuba also confirmed the signing of scrum half Brian Wahinya from Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, centre Bob Muhati and second row Emmanuel Silungi from Homeboyz as well as Western Bulls’ second row Elvis Olukusi.
“We have finalised acquiring them. They have signed one year contracts, with the option to renew at the end of the season," said Makuba."World Rugby does not allow clubs to offer players more than one-year contracts. Previously, World Rugby allowed two-year or three-year contracts but not any more."
Former Kakamega High School and Strathmore Leos player Otieno has wowed fans across the world in Kenya Sevens colors. He made his Kenya Sevens debut in Hong Kong Sevens in 2016 and was part of the team that won Singapore Sevens the same year. He was the inspiration behind Shujaa bagging the 2021 Safari Sevens edition held at Nyayo on October 30-31 where he emerged the Most Valuable Player.
“We are bringing in these youngsters to learn from the experienced guys to prepare to take over from them and to fill the gap in case of international duty. We are anticipating losing several key players to both Kenya Sevens and Kenya Simbas and some who are retiring, so we have to remain competitive by signing,” added Makuba.
He revealed that the bankers will be without Shaddon Munoko and Peter Karia who have headed to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and Germany, respectively. The transfer window shuts on Friday at midnight.