The Kenya Rugby Union has officially unveiled its squad for the upcoming Rugby Africa 7s that serves as the African Qualification Tournament for the Rugby Sevens competition at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Shujaa, the Kenyan rugby sevens team, is on a mission to secure its third consecutive appearance at the Olympic Games, following its participation in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Vincent Onyala, who has successfully recovered from an injury setback during the 2022/23 World Rugby Sevens Series, has been named co-captain alongside Tony Omondi.
Coach Kevin Wambua expressed his confidence in the squad, noting that it boasts a powerful combination of experience and fresh talent.
The team is composed of six established players and six promising newcomers, creating a well-balanced roster.
Wambua emphasized the team’s determination to excel in the tournament and secure a top position by the end of the pool stage, thus advancing to the quarter-finals.
He stressed the importance of taking one game at a time and approaching each match with a finals mentality.
Shujaa’s campaign kicks off on Saturday, September 16, with a match against West African rivals Nigeria. They will also face South Africa’s Namibia at 1:50 p.m. and Zambia at 4:34 p.m. East African time on the same day.
Squad:
Kevin Wekesa
Brian Tanga
John Okoth
George Ooro
Vincent Onyala
Tony Omondi
Samuel Asati
Beldad Ogeta
Patrick Odongo
William Mwanji
Nygel Amaitsa
Festus Shiasi
