Shujaa star Vincent Onyala explains importance of co-captaincy ahead of Paris Olympics.

30th April 2024

Shujaa are currently preparing for the final leg of the Challenger Series scheduled to be held in Poland from May 18.

Shujaa co-captains Vincent Onyala(left) and Tony Omondi(right) posing for a photo. PHOTO/Kenya sevens
Shujaa co-captains Vincent Onyala(left) and Tony Omondi(right) posing for a photo. PHOTO/Kenya sevens
SUMMARY
  • Vincent Onyala is among the two Shujaa players, who have previously featured in the Olympic Games. 
  • The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will kick off on Friday, July 26 and end on Sunday, August 11. 
  • Onyala revealed that co-captaincy makes the decision-making process in the team easier. 

The Kenya national rugby sevens team ace Vincent Onyala has divulged the essence of having two captains in the Shujaa squad ahead of the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 

Onyala plays the co-captaincy role at the moment in the Shujaa team alongside the Mwamba Rugby Football Club outside half Tony Omondi. 

According to the 27-year-old, who was part of the Shujaa squad that competed at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, co-captaincy makes the job easier for everyone in the team.  

“Co-captaincy brings that proper decision because at times, I might have suffered a knock since rugby is a contact sport and the other guy is seeing a different view.  

So, I think when we brainstorm, we just get into each other and see how we flow and make a proper decision for the team,” commented Onyala. 

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) alumni made the remarks during a training session at the Kasarani Annex, where the new look Shujaa side is preparing for the final leg of the Challenger Series. 

Shujaa will be seeking to secure a top two position in the Challenger series scheduled to be held in Poland in May which will guarantee them a spot in the promotion/relegation play off. 

Onyala was optimistic that the team, which is coached by Kevin Wambua, will do the job and play topflight rugby next season 

Looking at the challenger, I think as we had earlier said, it is a marathon. It is not like a 100m race where we just must play such that the top ones are making it. So, having to play three legs, we must be categorical about it, and our approach will matter.  

Now going into the last one, we are confident that we will come on top of the challenger. After that we see our way back in Madrid and hopeful see ourselves back to the series,” he added.  

The talented player ended by stating that having nothing to lose is a strength to them going into the Paris Olympic Games because the players will be eager to showcase their abilities.