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Kenya Sevens squad named ahead of Africa Men’s 7s

Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 15:24 | By
Kenya 7s in a past action. PHOTO/KRU/ Facebook
Kenya Sevens in a past action. PHOTO/KRU/ Facebook

Kenya Sevens head coach Kevin Wambua has revealed his squad for the upcoming Africa Men's 7s tournament, a crucial Olympic qualifier taking place this weekend.

Wambua has made notable additions to the team, including six players who will receive their first call-up.

Kenya Sevens newcomers

Among these newcomers are Samuel Asati and Beldad Ogeta, both of whom have previous test-level experience.

Kenya 7s (Shujaa) celebrating after winning the 2021 Safari Sevens. PHOTO/KRU
Kenya Sevens celebrating after winning the 2021 Safari Sevens. PHOTO/KRU

Additionally, Patrick Odongo from Daystar Falcons, William Mwanji from Kabras Sugar, Nygel Amaitsa from Strathmore Leos, and Festus Shiasi from KCB have earned their spots.

The team's strength is further bolstered by the return of Vincent Onyala, who had been sidelined due to injury for most of the 2022/23 World Rugby Sevens Series. Onyala will co-captain the squad alongside the experienced Tony Omondi.

These two leaders are part of a core group of six regular players in the 12-man squad heading to Harare, with the others being Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga, John Okoth, and George Ooro.

Kenya Sevens campaign

The Rugby Africa Men's 7s 2023 tournament is scheduled to take place from September 16th to 17th at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe.

This competition will see twelve teams competing for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Both Kenya and South Africa were unable to secure direct Olympic tickets after finishing outside the top four in the recently concluded season.

Kenya Rugby Sevens team, Shujaa, finished third in this season’s HSBC World Series. Photo/WORLD RUGBY
Kenya Sevens team, Shujaa, in World Series. PHOTO/World Rugby

For Kenya Sevens, this will be their first competition since facing relegation in a challenging season.

The Pools for the Rugby Africa Men's Sevens 2023 have been drawn, and fans can anticipate thrilling matches as teams vie for a coveted spot in the prestigious Olympic Games.

Pool A includes rugby powerhouse South Africa, along with Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cote d'Ivoire.

Pool B promises exciting matchups with Kenya, Zambia, Namibia, and Nigeria.

Pool C will witness Uganda, the current holder of the Rugby Africa Men's Sevens Cup, facing off against Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Algeria.

With a direct ticket to the 2024 Olympics in Paris at stake, as well as qualification for the 2024 Final Olympic Qualification Tournament for the second and third-placed teams, the competition is set to be intense and gripping.

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