Shujaa, Lionessess roar for Safari Sevens glory

Shujaa, Lionesses bullish of clinching Safari Sevens titles at Nyayo Stadium.

by TEDDY MULEI

Sports04 October 2025 - 08:00

In Summary

‎Shujaa enter the contest as defending champions, having stamped their authority in Machakos last year with a 12-0 victory over Shogun.
Captain Asati exuded confident, insisting Shujaa can ride the same storm as last year.

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‎National rugby Sevens team captains Samuel Asati (Shujaa) and Sheila Chajira (Lionesses) are bullish about stamping their authority at the Safari Sevens, which kicks off next Friday at Nyayo National Stadium.

This year, Kenya will be represented by Shujaa, Morans, Lionesses and Cubs, setting the stage for a charged home assault.

The 2025 edition marks a nostalgic return to Nyayo, the venue last graced in 2021 when Shujaa edged out Germany 12-5 in the final to lift the trophy. Since then, the prestigious tournament has toured RFUEA Grounds (2023) and Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos (2024).

Shujaa enter the contest as defending champions, having asserted their dominance in Machakos last year with a 12-0 victory over Shogun.

The Lionesses are seeking redemption after being stunned 24-10 by Spain’s Costa Blanca Barbarians in last year’s final.

Asati expressed confidence in Shujaa’s chances, saying: “I believe the boys are well prepared and raring to go.”

He pointed to fresh talent drafted from the National Sevens Circuit as a major boost for Shujaa and Morans.

Head coach Kevin Wambua has a 48-man provisional squad, blending circuit standouts with rising stars in the feeder system for the two men's national teams.

Asati also expects Morans to shine, saying: “We want to see how the Morans will perform. I believe they have what it takes.”

Chajira revealed that the Lionesses have been grinding through an intense six-week training, including a test match against Tunisia.

“We have been preparing hard for Safari Sevens. The sessions with Tunisia gave us morale, and we are ready to challenge,” she said.

Tournament director Kevin Wambura revealed that the French Renegades, UK Sevens Select, Shogun, Shujaa and Uganda are expected alongside Zambia, Zimbabwe, KCB, Apache and ReUnion.

Lionesses, champions Costa Blanca, Uganda, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Cubs, Shogun and Spain will battle for the women's title.

“We have 20 teams, 12 men’s sides and eight women’s sides. The men will be split into three pools of four, while the women will feature two pools of four,” said Wambura.

Teams are expected to arrive from Wednesday, with training bases set at RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi School and St. Mary’s School.

The event will feature veterans’ clashes on Friday evening and age-grade matches running from Thursday to Friday noon.

Kenya Rugby Union CEO Thomas Odundo hinted at plans to introduce prize money in the future to attract more elite international teams.

“If you want the big teams, they must see what’s in it for them. It’s something we are seriously discussing at board level,” he said.

The 2025 showpiece has received a Sh22m boost from Tusker.

“We are glad to partner with KRU once again. Of the sponsorship, Sh12 million will be in cash and Sh10 million in kind,” said Christine Kariuki, Tusker’s Head of Mainstream Beer.