Rugby
Exclusive: Kenya’s Shujaa Ready to Take on The Global Stage After a Year-Long Absence
Kenya's Shujaa are back in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series after a year-long absence. They earned promotion by defeating Germany. The team faces tough competition in Pool A at the Dubai 7s. Coaches and players are confident and ready to make a mark in the upcoming series.
Tabby Nashipae.
The Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa are eager to make their HSBC World Rugby 7s Series return memorable. The team was promoted back to the prestigious series after a year in the cold. They were relegated in May 2023 after losing 12-7 to Canada in the relegation play-off final at the London Sevens.
It was the first time in 23 years that Kenya missed the World Rugby Sevens Series with no chance of invitation to some events after World Rugby came up with a 12-team format for the 2023/2024 Series.
The determined Shujaa roared back to the Series on Sunday, 2 June 2024 after a triumphant 33-15 win over Germany in the promotion qualifier playoff match played in Madrid, Spain.
Their first assignment will be the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series opener; Dubai 7s slated for Saturday, 30 November to Sunday 1 December at the Sevens Stadium.
Shujaa in Pool of Death
Shujaa have landed a tough Pool A. They will be up against France who are fresh off a gold win at the Paris Olympics and a victory in the final Series event in Madrid.
Adding extra excitement to the pool is an all-African showdown, as Shujaa takes on South Africa, a team with a strong record in Dubai. Shujaa defeated South Africa 17-12 during the 2023 Rugby Africa Men’s 7s – cum Olympics qualifiers in Zimbabwe and the Springboks will be thirsty for revenge.
Rounding out the pool is Australia, reigniting its rivalry with Kenya following their Olympic clash. SportsBoom.com caught up with several of the team's technical bench on their preparations and expectations ahead of the much-anticipated matches.
Head Coach Optimistic of Better Results
According to head coach Kevin Wambua, his charges are ready for the challenge. They will be looking to build on their Challenger Series, Olympics, and Safari 7s experience. They finished ninth during the Paris 2024 Olympics and went on to win the Safari 7s earlier in November.
“We played against Australia at the Olympics, and it was very close. For South Africa, we had them during the Olympic qualifiers, and again we will be facing them. It is not going to be easy. We have focused more on France and analyzed them, so we are ready to take them,” Wambua offered.
He went on to highlight the depth within the team, noting that it is a perfect blend of experience and emerging stars who are all eager to showcase their skills on the global stage.
"Leading the boys is a challenge, but it’s one I have to fill in. We started together, and the process was quite easy since we already knew what it was like to be there. We have a balanced squad blending youth and experience. Asati and Ooro’s leadership will be pivotal as we aim for a strong start in Dubai,” he remarked.
Shujaa assistant coach Louis Khisia echoed Wambua’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s focus as they gear up for their first tournament since returning to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. He called for patience as the squad settles into the competition.
"It is our first tournament, and players are still testing the waters. Ours is to go there, give a good account of ourselves, take a game at a time, and ensure we get good results. Everybody wants to be associated with winners. We will bring good results and come to our sponsors' offices again," Khisia told SportBoom.com.
On his side, Shujaa captain George Ooro expressed his excitement about the team's return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, noting how much it means to the team and Kenyan rugby fans.
“It is so nice to be back, it is a very good feeling to be back at the Dubai 7s. We have prepared well and we are ready for our pool opponents. We have wished for all these moments.
"Our fans have always been behind us, even when we were in the Challenger Series and now we’re back in the SVNS. The fans give us that extra energy and motivation to play for them and for those who are back home watching,” he said.
Starting Squad
Experienced forward Kevin Wekesa, who has played 83 matches and scored 24 tries, will continue to wear his usual jersey number six. Co-captain George Ooro, with 48 matches and 12 tries in the World 7s Series, will also retain jersey number 3.
Dennis Abukuse, who has played 39 matches and scored 10 tries, will wear jersey 13 as he looks to extend his try tally to the 40s. Benson Salem returns to the World 7s Series with jersey number 1, having played six matches and scored two tries.
Speedster Floyd Wabwire, who has played four matches under coach Damian McGrath, will wear jersey 25. World SVNS Series debutants Samuel Asati will don jersey number 9, while Nygel Amaitsa keeps jersey number 10.
William Mwanji will take jersey number 19, with Festus Shiasi donning jersey number 5, previously worn by the retired Billy Odhiambo.
The iconic jersey number 11, once worn by legendary Collins Injera, will now be worn by Patrick Odongo, while Chrissant Ojwang will take jersey number 12, previously held by Willy Ambaka. Brian Mutua will wear jersey 33, and Brayan Ondego will take jersey number 37 as they make their mark in the series.
Squad: William Mwanji Indakalu (#19) Kevin Wekesa (#6) Samuel Asati (#9) Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa (#10) Denis Abukuse (#13) Floyd Wabwire (#25) George Ooro Angeyo (#3) Festus Shiasi Safari (#5) Patrick Odongo Okong’o (#11) Brayan Ondego (#37) Brian Mutilu Mutua (#33) Benson Adoyo (#1) Chrisant Ojwang (#12)
SVNS 2025 World Series Destinations Unveiled
In August, World Rugby announced the first five destinations and dates for the HSBC SVNS 2025 Series. The action kicks off in Dubai from November 30 to December 1, 2024. The teams will then head to Cape Town’s DHL Stadium for the second round on December 7-8, 2024.
Following a successful debut, Perth’s HBF Park in Australia will host the third round from January 24-26, 2025. Vancouver’s BC Place will follow, bringing its vibrant atmosphere for the fourth round on February 21-23, 2025. Finally, the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will host the fifth round from March 28-30, 2025.
Details on additional events, including the Grand Final, are yet to be announced but aim to build on the excitement of the 2024 SVNS Series with a mix of rugby, music, food, and entertainment.
In line with its commitment to gender equality, the HSBC SVNS 2025 Series will feature combined men’s and women’s tournaments at every stop, with equal participation fees for all teams. This initiative ensures a strong global platform for women’s rugby, highlighting the growth and impact of the sport.
Men’s Pools
Pool A: France, South Africa, Australia, Kenya
Pool B: Argentina, Ireland, Great Britain, Uruguay
Pool C: Fiji, New Zealand, USA, Spain
Women’s Pools
Pool A: Australia, Ireland, Fiji, China
Pool B: France, USA, Great Britain, Spain
Pool C: New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Brazil
Tabby Nashipae is a young Kenyan sports journalist known for her insightful reporting and passionate storytelling. Her work is characterized by her ability to connect with sportspersons and bring their stories to life, capturing the human element behind the competition.