- Kenya 7s are back in action for the Valladolid 7s in Spain, the second leg of the HSBC World Championship.
- The three-day tournament will be played from Friday, May 29-31 at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.
- Shujaa head into this round sitting seventh overall after an impressive outing in the opening leg, the Hong Kong 7s held in April.
Kenya 7s are back in action for the three-day second leg of the World Championship in the Valladolid 7s in Spain, running from Friday May 29-31 at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.
Fresh off a seventh-place finish in the opening leg of the World Championship – the Hong Kong 7s held from April 17-19 at the Kai Tak Sports, Shujaa will be taking on South Africa, Australia, and Great Britain in what looks like a tricky Pool A.
South Africa and Australia are two familiar rivals they have already tested themselves against in Hong Kong, and they will be looking to either show off their firepower in this second leg or try to fix their slip-ups.
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Having finished third in a group featuring New Zealand, Australia, and the USA, Shujaa were drawn alongside the Blitzboks in the main cup quarterfinals.
They came agonizingly close to winning that clash only to let it slip late, falling 22-26. Now meeting again at the group stage, they will be eager to seal the cracks from that encounter.
South Africa made history by clinching their first-ever Hong Kong 7s title to top the overall standings.
READ MORE: Kenya 7s drawn alongside South Africa for Valladolid 7s
While in China they also faced Australia in Pool C, where they narrowly lost 14-7. Australia currently sit just one spot above Kenya in sixth place with 10 points compared to Kenya’s eight.
Great Britain are also a regular top-flight outfit, and they’ll be looking to bounce back from a forgettable outing that left them in 10th place with just three points.
Speaking during the squad announcement, coach Wambua expressed confidence in his troops ahead of the crucial fixtures.
“The preparations have been good and the boys are ready. We are confident heading into these tournaments and now it’s all about showing up, competing well, and representing the country with pride,” said Wambua.
READ MORE: Victor Mola handed debut call-up as Kenya 7s name final squad for Valladolid 7s
The 13-man squad features only two changes from the team that represented the country at the Hong Kong Sevens, highlighting the technical bench’s faith in the core group that has impressed throughout the campaign.
Leadership duties will be shared between experienced campaigners George Ooro and Samuel Asati, who will co-captain the side during the European tour.
Among the notable inclusions is Kevin Wekesa alongside key players Dennis Abukuse, John Okoth, and Vincent Onyala. Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, and Festus Shafari have also retained their spots after consistent performances in previous outings.
Youngster David Nyangige has once again earned selection and will tour alongside seasoned veteran Brian Tanga, providing a nice balance of youthful energy and experience within the squad.
Chrisant Ojwang returns to the team after missing out on the Hong Kong leg, while Victor Odhiambo, popularly known as “Mola,” is in line to make his long-awaited debut for Shujaa as he prepares for his maiden tour with the national side.
Kenya will begin their Valladolid campaign with the opening fixture against Australia on May 29 at 1:12pm EAT before taking on South Africa later the same day at 6:08pmEAT. Their final pool match will be against Great Britain on May 30 at 2:02pm EAT.
Wambua’s charges must ensure they keep holding onto such a solid position across the three legs.
Following the lessons learned in the opening leg of the World Championship pathway to SVNS 1 next season, Shujaa now have an opportunity to regroup, with the top eight teams ultimately securing promotion to the HSBC SVNS 1.
Kenya 7s Valladolid 7s fixtures, play times, and schedule
Friday May 29
Shujaa vs Australia – 1:12pm
Shujaa vs South Africa – 6:08pm
Saturday May 30
Shujaa vs Great Britain – 2:02pm
Kenya 7s squad for Valladolid 7s
Valladolid 7s Men’s Pools
- Pool A: South Africa, Australia, Kenya, Great Britain
- Pool B: Argentina, New Zealand, Uruguay, Germany
- Pool C: Spain, Fiji, France, United States
Women’s Pools
- Pool A: New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, Argentina
- Pool B: Australia, United States, Fiji,South Africa
- Pool C:France, Canada, Spain, Great Britain