The Kenya Morans will seek to reclaim the Africa Cup Sevens title in Mauritius this weekend, assistant coach Louis Kisia has said.
The Morans finished sixth last year. They last won the title in 2023, which saw the country qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Kisia has included Felix Okoth, Philip Okeyo and Javan Otieno from Nakuru RFC alongside Strathmore Leos’ Matoka Matoka and Kabras’ youngster Jackson Siketi.
Lamech Ambetsa returns after missing the World Sevens Series campaign due to an ankle injury.
Chrissant Ojwang will co-captain the side alongside George Ooro. Other experienced players include Dennis Abukuse, William Mwanji, Brian Mutua and Floyd Wabwire.
Morans are in Group ‘A’ where they face defending champions Uganda, Ivory Coast and Ghana. Kisia expects a competitive pool phase.
“It will be a tough battle, especially against Uganda. They are the champions and matches between us are always tough to call. The two West African sides are improving too, so we are not taking anything for granted,” said Kisia.
Pool B will see powerhouses South Africa face Burkina Faso, Zambia and Nigeria, while former champions Zimbabwe tackle Madagascar, Tunisia and Mauritius in Pool C.
The preliminary matches will be played on Saturday, with the knockout phase set for Sunday.
The top two teams in each pool will qualify for the quarterfinals alongside the top two best losers.
The team camped at the RFUEA for three weeks in preparation for the championships.
“This is an important tournament in terms of building depth for our Sevens programme for future tournaments,” said Kisia. “I believe the boys will be tested accordingly.”
The 2025 edition carries high stakes with the top two teams, excluding Kenya and South Africa, earning promotion to the World Sevens Series Division 3.
Kenya are in Division Two of the World Series while South Africa are in the top tier.
