The Kenyan Sevens rugby team, Shujaa, departed for Munich, Germany, on Tuesday evening, filled with aspirations of clinching a top-four finish in the final leg of the HSBC Challenger Sevens Series.
Success in Munich would pave their way to the decisive World Sevens promotion event in Madrid this June.
Assistant coach Louis Kisia reported a buoyant atmosphere among the players, expressing confidence in their readiness for the upcoming challenges. “Our approach is methodical—we’re focusing on one match at a time, aiming to represent ourselves honorably. Achieving a top-four spot is our immediate goal before we shift our attention to Madrid,” Kisia remarked.
The squad’s morale is further bolstered by the return of Patrick Odongo, the leading try-scorer from the Dubai Challenger Series, who had been sidelined by an injury during the Uruguay leg. Kisia praised Odongo’s speed and impact, emphasizing that his recovery and return to form are timely boosts for the team.
Shujaa, under the guidance of head coach Kevin Wambua, finds itself in Pool C, facing off against Japan, Chile, and Portugal. Currently tied at the top of the Challenger series leaderboard, they are narrowly trailing Uruguay based on points difference.
The team’s core, including co-captains Tony Omondi and Vincent Onyala, have been instrumental this season, and their continued synergy and team spirit are expected to contribute significantly as Shujaa strives to secure a spot back in the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
