Sasha reveals changes that will make Kenya 7s to dominate

The Kenya Rugby Union chairman Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai has expressed his optimism in Shujaa and Lionesses dominating the second leg of the HSBC Challenger Series 2024.

According to Mutai, the two national teams, that jetted out to Montevideo, Uruguay, are primed to dominate the series due to intensive training and proper squad revamp.

Mutai pointed out that the new management brought new players who continue to play an integral part in Kenya’s quest to regain promotion to the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series following their relegation.

Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 30 Million SportPesa Midweek Jackpot

The Kenya Rugby Union chairperson explained that with the recent changes, Shujaa was going into the competition as the top seed in the men's category and second in the women's.

"We are going for nothing but victory again. The teams have been working very hard from the technical benches to ensure that we are in a comfortable position to get back into the World Series for both teams," he stated.

"We started on a new slate with a new team and also a new management. 50 percent of the team has never played for Kenya," Mutai insisted.

ALSO READ: Kenyan athletes refuse to take part in African Games trials until grievances addressed

Kenya 7s lead the competition standings after their impressive performance in Dubai where they won the main cup final where they beat Chile 12-5.

With 20 points, Kenya 7s maintain a two-point lead over Chile in the standings, while Uruguay and Germany occupy the third and fourth spots respectively.

Shujaa will take on 2023 Challenger champions Tonga along with Georgia and Portugal in Pool A.

Lionesses are drawn together with Belgium, Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong China in Pool B.

The top four men’s and women’s teams in the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 will have the opportunity to participate in a promotion and relegation play-off competition at the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid from May 31 to June 2, competing against teams ranked ninth to 12th from HSBC SVNS 2024.

ALSO READ: SportPesa launch revolutionary Tujiamini Initiative to nurture talent

Squads

Shujaa

Vincent Onyala (KCB, Co-Captain), Tony Omondi (Mwamba, Co-Captain), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), George Ooro (Strathmore Leos), Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos),  Samuel Asati (KCB), Dennis Abukuse ( Menengai Oilers), Ben Salem (Nondescripts), Chrisant Ojwang (Nakuru, debut), Lamec Ambetsa (Kabras Sugar, debut), Elvis Olukusi (KCB, debut).

Shujaa will however miss the services of Patrick Odongo who top-scored with 11 tries in Dubai. Odongo is recovering from an injury sustained during Daystar Falcons’ KRU Championship 39-12 victory against Kabarak University.

Other players set to miss include Brian Tanga who is recovering from illness while Festus Shiasi, William Mwanji and Brian Mutugi were not in the travelling team.

Lionesses

Sheila Chajira (Captain), Naomi Amuguni, Judith Okumu, Stella Wafula, Sharon Auma, Grace Okulu, Janet Okello, Christabel Lindo, Sinaida Nyachio, Maureen Muritu, Phoebe Akinyi, Terry Ayesa