Brian Mutugi from Mwamba is gearing up for his second appearance with Shujaa, being named in the 12-man squad for the inaugural round of the World Rugby HSBC Challenger 2024, scheduled for January 12-14 in Dubai, UAE.
Mutugi, who made his debut during the Safari 7s, is the sole addition to the squad that secured victory and Paris 2024 Olympic qualification in the Rugby Africa Men’s 7s last September in Harare, Zimbabwe, defeating South Africa 17-12 in the cup final.
Vincent Onyala and Anthony Omondi will co-captain the side, representing Kenya in Pool C. The team is set to kick off their campaign against Mexico at 13:14 EAT on Friday, January 12, 2024, followed by a match against East African rivals Uganda at 17:58 EAT.
Their Pool C fixtures will conclude with a game against Germany at 12:59 EAT on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
Speaking about the team’s preparations, head coach Kevin Wambua expressed optimism, stating, “Our training sessions leading up to the Christmas break were highly productive, emphasizing skill enhancement and the development of effective attack and defense strategies.”
Wambua highlighted the competitive atmosphere within the squad, citing its positive impact on individual and team dynamics. Despite a setback in early December, the team used internal games to refine their performance based on insights from the Safari 7s evaluation.
The recent three-day camp at Turi, strategically chosen for its high-altitude weather, further elevated the team’s preparedness for the upcoming tournament in Dubai.
Wambua emphasized the importance of a strong start in the Challenger Series, aiming to secure a podium position and establish a competitive edge throughout the series.
The Shujaa squad to Dubai includes Vincent Onyala (KCB, Co-Captain), Tony Omondi (Mwamba, Co-Captain), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), Samuel Asati (KCB), Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos), Festus Shiasi (KCB), William Mwanji (Kabras Sugar), George Ooro (Strathmore Leos), Patrick Odongo (Daystar Falcons), and Brian Mutugi (Mwamba).
The coaching and management team comprises Kevin Wambua (Head Coach), Louis Kisia (Assistant Coach), Andrew Amonde (Assistant Coach), Lamech Francis Bogonko (Physio), and Steve Sewe (Team Manager). The squad is poised for a spirited performance in the Challenger Series, aiming to leave a mark on the international rugby stage.
