Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, has officially unveiled their squad for the opening legs of the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series. The team will make their much-anticipated return to the global stage after a year in the Challenger Series, with matches scheduled for the Dubai 7s on November 30 to December 1, followed by the Cape Town 7s on December 7-8.
Leadership and Key Appointments
Head coach Kevin Wambua has entrusted the leadership responsibilities to Samuel Asati and George Ooro, who will co-captain the side. Their appointments come in the absence of regular leaders Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi, who are unavailable for this circuit due to contractual issues.
Asati and Ooro’s selection as captains reflects Wambua’s faith in their ability to guide the team as it seeks to reclaim its position among rugby’s elite. Both players have consistently demonstrated leadership qualities and are expected to inspire their teammates through their performances.
Experienced and Rising Talents in the Squad
The squad features a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents. Kabras RFC forward Kevin Wekesa brings his wealth of experience to the team, alongside Menengai Oilers’ standout Dennis Abukuse. Abukuse, who was named the third Impact Player of the 2024 National 7s Circuit, has been in impressive form, topping the Tisini stats tracker.
Abukuse also boasts international experience, having been part of the Kenya Sevens squad that finished ninth at the Olympics and participated in the Morans’ Africa Men’s Sevens campaign. His inclusion is expected to bolster the team’s attacking capabilities.
The @KenyaSevens squad that will be heading to Dubai and Cape Town for the first two opening legs of the 2024/2025 @SVNSSeries .
All the best Shujaa pic.twitter.com/0iG4brjuB6— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) November 21, 2024
Strathmore Leos speedster Patrick Odongo joins the lineup, along with his teammates Nygel Amaitsa and Chrissant Ojwang. Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wambire, and Brayan Ondego complete a youthful and dynamic squad. These players will be keen to make an impact on the global stage as Kenya seeks to reestablish itself in the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series.
Shujaa’s Journey Back to the Series
Shujaa’s return to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series marks a significant milestone for the team. The Kenyans were relegated from the series in May 2023 after a narrow 12-5 loss to Canada in the relegation playoffs final at Twickenham Stadium, a result that ended their tenure as a core team.
Since then, the team has worked tirelessly to regain its place among the world’s best. Under then-coach Damian McGrath, Shujaa triumphed in the promotion qualifier, defeating long-time rivals Germany 33-15 to secure their return to the series.
The team’s resurgence is a testament to their resilience and determination, and the upcoming legs in Dubai and Cape Town provide an opportunity to showcase their growth and reclaim their standing in international rugby.
Dubai and Cape Town: High-Stakes Competitions
The Dubai 7s, scheduled to take place at the iconic Sevens Stadium, will serve as Shujaa’s reintroduction to the HSBC Series. The tournament promises to be highly competitive, with top teams from around the world vying for early-season points.
Following their campaign in Dubai, Shujaa will travel to Cape Town for the second leg of the series. South Africa has historically been a challenging venue for Kenya, but the team will be eager to prove their mettle against some of the strongest squads in the series.
Coach Kevin Wambua’s Vision for the Team
Wambua has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to compete at the highest level. With a blend of experienced campaigners and promising newcomers, the team is well-equipped to handle the rigors of back-to-back tournaments.
The coach emphasized the importance of discipline, cohesion, and adaptability as key factors for success. Shujaa’s preparations have focused on fine-tuning their defensive structure and enhancing their attacking fluidity, ensuring they can match the pace and intensity of the competition.
Shujaa Squad for Dubai and Cape Town 7s
- Kevin Wekesa
- George Ooro (CC)
- William Mwanji
- Brian Mutua
- Dennis Abukuse
- Samuel Asati (CC)
- Nygel Amaitsa
- Chrissant Ojwang
- Patrick Odongo
- Festus Shiasi
- Benson Salem
- Floyd Wambire
- Brayan Ondego
The Road Ahead
Shujaa’s return to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series is a pivotal moment for Kenyan rugby. The team’s performances in Dubai and Cape Town will set the tone for the rest of the season, as they aim to reestablish themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
The journey will not be easy, but with a talented squad and a determined coaching staff, Shujaa has the potential to make a strong statement in their comeback season. Fans across Kenya and beyond will be eagerly watching as the team takes on the world’s best, starting with the Dubai 7s.
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