Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced a squad for the upcoming Rugby Africa sevens, which also serves as the African Qualification Tournament for the Rugby Sevens competition for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The team is scheduled for travel on Thursday 10th, September, to Harare, Zimbabwe and begin its campaign on Saturday 16th, against west African rivals Nigeria before facing South African powerhouse Namibia at 1:50pm and later in the evening Zambia at 4:34pm East African time.
Vincent Onyala, who overcame an injury setback during the 2022/23 World Rugby Sevens Series, is making a comeback as co-captain of the team, alongside Tony Omondi.
Shujaa Coach Kevin Wambua, believes the team has a powerful blend of experienced and fresh talent that is committed to taking one game at a time and approaching each match as if it were a final.
“The primary goal is to perform well in the pool stage and secure a top position by the end of day one, ultimately advancing to the quarter-finals. The squad is determined and I believe they have what it takes to excel in the competition.” Said Wambua.
The Shujaa squad boasts a well-balanced composition, combining the experience of six established players with the enthusiasm and potential of six newcomers. Coach Wambua expressed his confidence in the team’s ability to take on the rest of Africa and succeed in the tournament.
Shujaa, will be seeking another chance to represent Kenya at the Olympic Games, for the third time in a row after Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Squad
Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga, John Okoth, George Ooro, Vincent Onyala, and Tony Omondi. Additionally, six promising players have received maiden call-ups: Samuel Asati and Beldad Ogeta, who have previously represented Kenya at the test level, Patrick Odongo from Daystar Falcons, William Mwanji from Kabras Sugar, Nygel Amaitsa from Strathmore Leos, and Festus Shiasi from KCB.
Saturday Fixtures
11:06am | v Nigeria
1:50pm | v Namibia
4:34pm | v Zambia
