After securing their spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Kenya Sevens is set to participate in the Dubai Invitational tournament scheduled for December 1-3.
Assistant head coach Louis Kisia confirmed their invitation and highlighted that this tournament will be vital for honing their skills ahead of the Challenger Series slated for February next year.
Kisia stated, “It’s an opportunity to play against some of the top Sevens teams as we focus on solid preparation for the Challenger Series in the new year.” Despite their remarkable victory over South Africa in Harare earlier this month during the Africa Cup Sevens, Kisia emphasized the need for the team to address areas for improvement if they aspire to regain their status among the elite in world Sevens rugby.
Currently operating at 80-90 per cent proficiency in crucial aspects such as line-outs, scrums, ball retention, attack, and defence, Kisia stressed the necessity of reaching 100 per cent to secure promotion back to the World Seven Series.
Before the Dubai Invitational tournament, Shujaa will participate in the Safari Sevens from November 17-19 at the RFUEA alongside Morans.
Kisia expressed the team’s eagerness to embrace the challenge of competing in front of their fans and noted that preparations for the tournament are already underway. He anticipates that securing a tournament win before heading to Dubai will provide a significant boost.
Kisia, who also serves as the head coach for Strathmore Leos, expects intensified competition for spots in the team leading up to the upcoming tournaments.
He emphasized the positive impact of players bringing their competitive spirit to training and acknowledged that it presents a challenging decision-making process for the coaching staff.
The team’s spirit has been uplifted following their relegation from the World Seven Series in May. Kisia highlighted the high morale within the squad and attributed it to the bonding experience they had in Nakuru. He expressed the team’s commitment to continued training camps in the coming days and months.
Shujaa’s remarkable 17-12 victory over South Africa in the final secured the sole automatic ticket to the Olympics, leaving the Blitzbokke and bronze medalists Uganda to vie for qualification through the repechage scheduled for June next year.
