The men’s national rugby 7s side, Shujaa, will make their long-awaited return to the World Rugby Sevens Series (now known as SVNS Series) when they take on France, South Africa and Australia in the 24/25 season-opening outing at the Dubai 7s taking place from 30 November to 1 December in Dubai.
After a highly successful one year following their relegation from the Series, Shujaa will make their comeback in a newly revamped format with only 12 men’s teams competing for the top eight places assured of automatic safety for the next season.
In Dubai, head coach Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua has put his trust in 8 players who are in line to make their Series debut, including highly rated speedster Patrick Odongo.
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The other players are Samuel Asati (KCB), Chrisant Ojwang (Nakuru), Festus Shiasi (KCB), Brian Mutua (Kabras Sugar), William Mwanji (Kabras Sugar), Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos) and Brayan Ondego (Zetech Oaks).
In the returning players, Kabras Sugar powerhouse Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar) will provide much-needed experience in the team alongside George Ooro (Strathmore Leos), Benson Salem (Nondies), Floyd Wabwire (KCB) and Dennis Abukuse (Menengai Oilers) as the only players who have featured in the Series before.
“The mood in the camp is quite good. The players are excited, I am excited and cannot wait to get to the floor and see what we have been working on. It is a long season but we know we have to start on the right path and I think the boys are ready.
We have been working hard on our system since last year and it got us to where we are at the moment. We fine-tuned a few areas and hopefully, we can get off to the right start and maintain that momentum,” Wambua told SportPesa Blog.
In the new format, Shujaa needs to finish inside the top two spots in their group or finish as one of the best two third-placed teams to qualify for the main cup quarterfinals on Sunday.
In other groups, Argentina, the 2024 World Series League overall champions, will face Ireland, Great Britain and Uruguay, who also joined Kenya in the promotion to the Series this season, in Pool A.
In Pool C, two-time Dubai 7s champions Fiji will face strong opponents in New Zealand, Spain, and the USA.
Kenya 7s playing times in Dubai 7s 2024
France vs Kenya – 0950EAT
South Africa vs Kenya – 1458EAT
Australia vs Kenya – 2022EAT
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