The men’s national rugby 7s head coach Kevin Wambua has announced his final squad for the Safari 7s 2024 tournament taking place this weekend from 11-13 October at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
From the provisional list of 36 players, Wambua has named 12 players for the Shujaa team with a majority of the remaining players set to represent Shujaa’s second side known as Morans.
Shujaa will have to defend the crown they won last year without the services of co-captains Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi who were not included in the final squads.
Additionally, regular faces like John Okoth, Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga and Nygel Amaitsa will also be sitting out of the tournament.
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In their absence, Strathmore Leos forward George Ooro and the diminutive KCB playmaker Samuel Asati will lead the squad as co-captains with speedster Patrick Odongo included in the team.
Menengai Oilers ace Dennis Abukuse who was the top scorer in the concluded 2024 SportPesa National 7s Circuit has also been included in the Shujaa squad.
He will be joined by the experienced Daniel Taabu who will be making a return to the national team after a one-year absence.
Mwamba’s Brian Mutugi, who has been impressive since moving from Homeboyz, is also in the mix alongside Gabriel Ayimba, Benson Salem, Brian Mutua, Philip Okeyo and Felix Okoth.
Safari 7s 2024
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The 26th edition of the Safari Sevens will feature 10 men’s teams and 5 women’s teams who have all confirmed their participation.
Kenya will be represented by the defending champions Shujaa and Morans in the men’s category, along with the overall 2024 SportPesa 7s circuit winners Kenya Harlequins and a Kenya Varsity select side.
In the women’s category, the Kenya Lionesses and Kenya Cubs will compete.
Other participating teams include Shogun (formerly Samurai), Zimbabwe, Uganda, Qatar, Lions Rugby, and the Red Wailers in the men’s category, while Uganda, Shogun, and Costa Blanca Barbarians will join the women’s competition.
Shujaa
1. George Ooro (cc) 2. Brian Mutua 3. Felix Okoth 4. William Mwanji 5. Dennis Abukuse 6. Samuel Asati (cc) 7. Benson Salem 8. Philip Okeyo 9. Gabriel Ayimba 10. Brian Mutugi 11. Patrick Odongo 12. Daniel Taabu
Morans:
Elvis Olukusi, Augustine Owino, Patrick Lumumba, David Williams, Leonard Fogang, Harmony Wamalwa, Brian Ondego, Jackson Siketi, Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wabwire, Arnold Agonda, Mike Wekesa
Lionesses:
Sheila Chajira Terry Ayesa Diana Kemunto Sinaida Mokaya Edith Nariaka Moreen Muritu Freshia Oduor Lovinah Mijere Diana Awino Faith Livoi Ann Njeri Yvette Okatch
Cubs:
Linet Moraaa Enid Ouma Naomi Jelegat Mitchelle Alivitsa Sherryl Owaga Hellen Achieng’ Carol Nyanchoka Atieno Awuor Maxine Abuga Catherine Elizabeth Milka Chitechi Sharon Auma
ALSO READ: SportPesa launch revolutionary Tujiamini Initiative to nurture talent
Tujiamini is an initiative that seeks to provide a platform, including up to 30M shillings in funding, for individual, team sports and various talent, in a year-long campaign that will go around the country in a move aimed at evoking the sense of pride in Kenya’s sports and talent ecosystem.
Applicants are urged to submit their applications through www.tujiamini.co.ke