Shujaa rugby team showcased their remarkable dominance once again by winning their third consecutive Safari 7s title after a hard-fought 12-0 victory over Shogun Rugby on Sunday, 13 October 2024, at Machakos Stadium. This triumph adds to their previous title wins in 2021 and 2023, cementing their place as the premier force in this prestigious tournament.
Shujaa’s Journey to the Top
The road to victory was far from easy for Shujaa, with both teams putting on a defensive masterclass in the early stages of the final. The match saw an intense first half where neither side was able to break through the other’s defensive lines, leaving the score locked at 0-0 by halftime. The tension on the field was palpable, with both teams fighting tooth and nail for every inch of ground.
Shujaa, coached by the experienced Kevin Wambua, knew they had to stay focused and disciplined if they were to claim the title for the third time. The team had defeated Shogun Rugby (formerly Samurai) in the 2023 final by a score of 19-0, but this time the stakes felt even higher. With a historic treble on the line, the pressure was immense.
The Breakthrough
As the second half began, it was clear that something had to give. The two teams continued to battle evenly until Shujaa finally found their opening. It was a moment of brilliance from Samuel Asati, who seized on a loose ball from the scrum and quickly passed it to Dennis Abukuse. Abukuse then made a well-timed pass to Patrick Odongo, who dashed down the field and crossed the try line to give Shujaa the breakthrough they so desperately needed.
Odongo’s try lifted the spirits of the Shujaa squad, but moments later, he found himself in trouble after being shown a yellow card for a tackle made without the ball. This left Shujaa down to six players, a significant disadvantage against a determined Shogun side.
Resilience and Victory
Despite being one player short, Shujaa showed incredible resilience and composure. They tightened up their defense, ensuring that Shogun couldn’t capitalize on the numerical advantage. Every tackle, pass, and strategic play demonstrated the experience and cohesion of the team.
Shujaa’s persistence paid off when Asati once again made a crucial play, setting up Benson Salem for the final try of the match. Salem’s try secured Shujaa’s 12-0 victory, sealing the title and marking their third consecutive Safari 7s triumph. The win was not only a testament to their skills but also their mental toughness under pressure.
A Historic Three-Peat
This victory is significant as it makes Shujaa the first team since 2008-2010 to achieve a treble in the Safari 7s. Winning three consecutive titles is no small feat, and Shujaa’s ability to maintain such a high level of performance across multiple seasons has solidified their reputation as one of the most formidable rugby sevens teams in Africa.
The Shujaa players and coaching staff celebrated the win with their loyal fans, who had turned out in large numbers at Machakos Stadium to witness this historic moment. The cheers and jubilation in the stadium reflected the pride felt by the entire nation as Shujaa lifted the trophy once again.
Kenya Morans Shine in Third Place Playoff
While Shujaa took the top honors, the Kenya Morans also delivered an impressive performance in the third-place playoff. The Morans faced off against the Zimbabwe Cheetahs and dominated the match from the start, securing a commanding 26-5 victory.
The Morans took a 19-0 lead at halftime, with standout performances from Floydd Wabwire, who scored two tries, and Festus Shiasi, who capitalized on a Zimbabwean error to add another try. Although Zimbabwe managed to score a try in the second half, the Morans remained in control, with Wabwire setting up Shiasi for his second try to seal the win.
This victory was especially sweet for the Kenya Morans, who avenged recent losses to Zimbabwe at both the All-Africa Games and the Africa Men’s 7s. The Morans’ strong finish at the Safari 7s demonstrates the depth of talent in Kenyan rugby and their ability to compete with some of the best teams in the region.
Kenya Harlequins’ Campaign Ends in Sixth Place
In addition to Shujaa and the Kenya Morans, the Kenya Harlequins also participated in the Safari 7s but concluded their campaign with a sixth-place finish. They faced a tough Lions team in the playoff, ultimately falling short in their bid for a higher position. Despite this result, the Harlequins will take valuable lessons from the tournament as they continue to develop and improve as a team.
Looking Ahead
Shujaa’s victory at the 2024 Safari 7s not only adds to their legacy but also sets the stage for even greater challenges ahead. With their sights set on the upcoming international rugby sevens competitions, Shujaa will look to build on their success and continue to showcase Kenyan rugby on the global stage.
The future looks bright for Kenyan rugby, with both Shujaa and the Kenya Morans proving that they are forces to be reckoned with in the sport. As the country celebrates this historic win, the focus will shift to preparing for the next season and maintaining the momentum that has brought so much pride to Kenyan rugby fans.
Shujaa’s 12-0 victory over Shogun Rugby to clinch their third consecutive Safari 7s title is a testament to their skill, determination, and resilience. With three titles in a row, they have cemented their place as legends of the tournament, while the Kenya Morans and Kenya Harlequins continue to show promise for the future of Kenyan rugby.
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