Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, delivered a dominant performance to conclude their Cape Town Sevens campaign with a 32-17 victory over Great Britain, clinching a commendable seventh-place finish. The match showcased Kenya’s offensive brilliance, with standout performances from Nygel Amaitsa, who scored a hat-trick, and Patrick Odongo. Head coach Kevin Wambua hailed the team’s resilience, emphasizing the importance of finishing the tournament on a high.
An Explosive Start Sets the Tone
From the opening whistle, Kenya made their intentions clear, attacking with precision and pace. George Ooro was the first to cross the try line, setting the tone for a commanding display. His try, which was successfully converted, gave Shujaa an early lead. Kenya’s maul was instrumental in maintaining possession and dictating the pace of the game.
The momentum continued as Nygel Amaitsa delivered a pinpoint offload to Patrick Odongo, who powered through Great Britain’s defensive line to score Kenya’s second try. The speedster’s ability to exploit gaps and finish clinically provided Kenya with a comfortable cushion.
Odongo was not done yet. Demonstrating excellent teamwork, Kenya strung together a series of precise passes, culminating in Odongo’s second try. Although the conversion attempt went wide, Kenya’s dominance was clear.
Kenya’s Defense Holds Firm
Great Britain struggled to penetrate Kenya’s robust defense in the first half. While Sunni Jardine capitalized on a rare missed tackle by Kenya to score Great Britain’s first try, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Despite this setback, Kenya’s backline remained organized and effective.
Samuel Asati added another try for Kenya before the end of the first half, capitalizing on a well-executed scrum. Asati’s effort extended Kenya’s lead to 22-5, a scoreline they took into halftime.
Speaking after the match, Coach Kevin Wambua praised his team’s tactical discipline and mental strength:
“We came into this game knowing we had to finish strong. The players executed the game plan perfectly, especially in defense, where we’ve worked hard to improve. I’m proud of how the team performed against a quality opponent.”
Second-Half Challenges and Resilience
The second half began with Great Britain mounting a comeback. Matt Davidson scored and converted his own try, narrowing the gap and adding pressure on Shujaa. However, Shujaa’s response was immediate and decisive. Nygel Amaitsa once again stepped up, crossing the try line for his second score of the game following a quick restart. Amaitsa’s contribution was pivotal in maintaining Kenya’s control of the match.
Great Britain refused to back down, with Luke Mehson adding another try to their tally. However, Kenya’s unyielding determination shone through in the closing stages. Floyd Wabwire’s incredible offload under pressure set up Amaitsa for his third try of the match, sealing the victory in style.
A Well-Deserved Finish
The 32-17 win was a testament to Kenya’s attacking flair, defensive organization, and ability to perform under pressure. The seventh-place finish may not fully reflect their ambitions, but it underscores the team’s potential and ability to compete at the highest level.
We conclude the #CapeTown7s with a flourish, delivering a resounding triumph over Great Britain to secure a seventh-place finish.#Shujaa #MpesaPowersKenya7s #SafaricomRugby #SportpesaNaShujaa #CapeTown7s
Courtesy of @arigiobiero pic.twitter.com/MeWmN8Q5ii
— Shujaa (@KenyaSevens) December 8, 2024
Coach Wambua highlighted the significance of the result:
“This victory is not just about today; it’s about the work we’ve put in as a team. We’ve faced challenges throughout the tournament, but the boys showed incredible resilience and teamwork. We’ll build on this performance as we prepare for the next legs of the series.”
Key Performances
Nygel Amaitsa was the standout player of the match, delivering a hat-trick that demonstrated his finishing prowess and ability to thrive under pressure. Patrick Odongo’s speed and strength were instrumental, with the young star adding two tries to his tally. Floyd Wabwire’s vision and composure in the final moments provided the assist for Amaitsa’s third try, highlighting Kenya’s cohesive team play.
Looking Ahead
The Cape Town Sevens marked a turning point for Shujaa, offering valuable lessons and a platform for growth. While the seventh-place finish is an improvement, there remains room for development as the team aims to climb the rankings in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
Coach Wambua emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum:
“We’ve taken significant strides, but this is just the beginning. The goal is to achieve consistency and improve with every tournament. The players are hungry for success, and with the right preparation, we can achieve great things.”
Fan Support and Team Spirit
Kenya’s passionate fan base played a crucial role in motivating the team throughout the tournament. The players acknowledged the overwhelming support they received both in Cape Town and back home, expressing their gratitude for the unwavering encouragement.
Wambua added:
“The fans are the heartbeat of this team. Their support means everything to us, and we hope to keep making them proud with our performances.”
A Promising Future
As Shujaa looks ahead to the next challenges in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, the Cape Town performance serves as a reminder of their potential. With emerging stars like Amaitsa and Odongo stepping up and a focused coaching staff led by Wambua, the future looks bright for Kenya’s rugby sevens team.
The victory against Great Britain not only secured a commendable seventh-place finish but also reinforced Kenya’s position as a team capable of competing with the best in the world. For Shujaa, the journey continues, and the focus now shifts to building on this success in the tournaments to come.
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