Kenya Sevens are gearing for the fourth round of the 2025 HSBC Sevens World Series, set to take place in Vancouver, Canada, from February 21 to 23 with coach Kevin Wambua having named his squad making only two changes from the Perth leg. Jone Kubu, a seasoned playmaker from the Simbas, and 18-year-old Jackson Siketi are in camp to reinforce the team.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Sasha Mutai expressed his excitement about the team, particularly the inclusion of the two debutants.
“I am absolutely elated about this squad, especially with the integration of these two exceptional talents. Jone Kubu, an established linchpin for Simbas, finally earns his Shujaa call-up, bringing his dynamic playmaking prowess to the sevens fold. Meanwhile, Jackson Siketi, who turns 18 in April, has already carved a name for himself despite his tender age. His ascension to the national stage augurs well for the future of Kenya Rugby,” Mutai stated.
Mutai also acknowledged the tough challenge ahead, with Kenya drawn in a competitive pool alongside Argentina, France, and Great Britain. However, he remained optimistic about the team’s ambitions.
“We find ourselves in a formidable pool, but our ambition remains resolute. We aim for a Main Cup quarter-final berth and to elevate our overall ranking. As always, we extend our deepest gratitude to SportPesa and M-Pesa for their unwavering sponsorship, ensuring that we continue to showcase Kenya’s rugby prowess on the global stage. To our ardent supporters, both at home and abroad, we urge you to rally behind Shujaa in Vancouver and spur them to victory.”
Coach Kevin Wambua exuded confidence in his squad’s preparation and competitive spirit, praising their work ethic during selection.
“This group is brimming with energy. The past week in camp has been incredibly intense, with every player putting up a compelling case for selection. This competitiveness has significantly elevated our training standards, refining our game-specific blocks.”
Reflecting on their near miss in Perth, Wambua emphasized the adjustments made to game management and execution.
“We fell short of a quarter-final spot in Perth by a mere eight points. This time, we have meticulously fine-tuned our approach, emphasizing game management, especially in the crucial final three minutes. Our set-piece execution and both attacking and defensive frameworks have also been sharpened to ensure a more clinical performance.”
Addressing the squad changes, Wambua acknowledged the departure of Salem, who has embarked on an international rugby career.
“We extend our best wishes to Salem as he embarks on this new chapter. His exit has paved the way for Siketi, a young player with a remarkable skill set and a keen understanding of the game. His diligence has rightfully earned him this call-up.”
On Jone Kubu, Wambua highlighted the experienced playmaker’s ability to change games.
“Kubu is a phenomenal all-rounder, blessed with an extraordinary ‘X-factor’ that can dismantle defensive structures at will. His training performances have been exemplary, and I have no doubt that both debutants will inject an invaluable spark as we pursue our top-eight objective.”
Shujaa Squad for Vancouver Sevens:
Forwards: Kevin Wekesa, George Ooro (CC), William Mwanji, Vincent Onyala, Denis Abukuse
Backs: Samuel Asati (CC), Nygel Amaitsa, Antony Omondi, Patrick Odongo, Floyd Wabwire, Brian Tanga
New Call-ups: Jone Kubu, Jackson Siketi
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