2024 Safari 7s Shujaa squad has been named by head coach Kevin Wambua ahead of the competition set for this weekend 11-13th October 2024 at the Machakos Stadium.
The squad include Strathmore Leos’ George Ooro, Kabras’ Brian Mutua, Kevin Wekesa who recently joined Monaco rugby sevens.
William Muhanji from Kabras RFC has also been included in the squad alongside Menengai Oilers’ Dennis Abukuse who shined in the just concluded National 7s circuit where he finished as the top point scorer.
KCB’s Samuel Asati, Benson Salem from Nondescripts, Jackson Siketi, speedstar Brian Mutugi from Mwamba RFC and Gabriel Ayimba, son of the late Kenya 7s coach Benjamin Ayimba have also made the cut.
Nygel Amaitsa and Patrick Odongo who were part of the squad that helped Shujaa return to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series have also been included in the squad.
The team was picked following the completion of the 2024 National 7s Circuit where a 36-man squad was selected and narrowed down to 26 where from the 26, 12 will represent Shujaa while the rest play for Morans.
Four more teams have confirmed their participation in the tournament bringing to total of 12 teams.
The teams include Kenya’s Shujaa and Morans, Uganda Cranes, Shogun Rugby (formerly Samurai Rugby), Tropics 7s and Zimbabwe, Malliot, Lions Rugby and Red Wailers are the latest to be confirmed for the Africa’s Premier tournament and also National 7s Circuit Champions Kenya Harlequin have been confirmed with the Kenyan Universities set to field a Kenya Varsity select side.
Speaking on TV47’s Sports Extravaganza show hosted by Tony Kwalanda, Kenya Harlequin headcoach Paul Murunga said he would like to see the Africa’s premier tournament go back where it was.
“It’s a brilliant tournament and would like see it going back to where it was in the near future whereby we have enough funds, enough sponsorship and more teams,” the coach stated.
Also present on the show was Kenya Harlequin player Leon Nyang’ who said is looking forward to do well in the competition where he will be representing his team after earning a chance in the safari 7s upon winning the National 7s circuit.
“It’s one of the biggest stages I’ve always wanted being on and at first it was always my dream to get a call up to the national team, to have myself that chance to be in the safari 7s but am glad i got myself my own chance with my team to be on the same platform,” Leon Nyang said.
Fans can expect an exciting wekend ahead with all the live action on TV 47 Kenya and Radio 47 as Cape Media CEO Mwenda Njoka has today signed a partnership agreement with Kenya rugby to broadcast the upcoming safari sevens in Machakos.
SHUJAA SQUAD FOR SAFARI 7S.
1. George Ooro 2. Brian Mutua 3. Kevin Wekesa 4. William Mwanji 5. Dennis Abukuse 6. Samuel Asati 7. Benson Salem 8. Jackson Siketi 9. Nygel Amaitsa 10. Brian Mutugi 11.Patrick Odong 12. Gabriel Ayimba
SAFARI SEVEN TEAMS.
Men’s Category:
Shujaa (Kenya),Morans (Kenya),Uganda Cranes, Zimbabwe,Qatar, Shogun Rugby (formerly Samurai Rugby), Tropics 7s, Mayotte, Lions rugby, Red wailers, Kenya Harlequin, Kenya Varsity select.
Women’s Category:
Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Uganda Lady Cranes, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Tropics 7s, Spanish Barbarians, Shogun.
