Kenya Sevens side, Shujaa/ FILEShujaa head coach Kevin Wambua says this year’s Safari Sevens at Nyayo Stadium is not just a platform to showcase talent but a crucial step in building depth and testing combinations ahead of bigger challenges.
Speaking after unveiling his final 13-man squad, Wambua said the technical bench will use the home tournament to assess player chemistry and sharpen systems ahead of the 2026 HSBC Division Two campaign in Dubai on November 29-30.
“This year’s Safari Sevens is not just about showcasing talent but about building depth and testing combinations as we prepare for bigger challenges ahead,” Wambua said.
The squad blends seasoned campaigners with promising young talent and will be co-captained by George Ooro and Samuel Asati. Among the headline names are Kabras Sugar’s Kevin Wekesa, KCB’s Vincent Onyala, Menengai Oilers’ Dennis Abukuse and Strathmore Leos’ duo of Gabriel Ayimba and Nygel Amaitsa.
Others are Christian Ojwang’, Patrick Odongo, Jackson Siketi, Floyd Wabwire, Festus Shiasi and William Mwanji, all expected to add power and pace to Shujaa’s attack.
Wambua believes the blend offers the perfect balance for a team seeking consistency on the international stage.
“The mix of experience and debutants gives us balance, and the home fans can expect a feast of rugby,” he added.
Shujaa will chase a fourth consecutive Safari Sevens crown, facing a strong field of 12 other teams.
Confirmed participants include French Renegades, UK Sevens Select, Shogun, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, KCB, Apache and ReUnion. The teams will be divided into three pools of four for the two-day contest.
Last year, Shujaa cemented their dominance with a 12-0 win over Shogun at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, repeating their 2023 triumph when they blanked the same opponents 19-0.
Their 2021 conquest followed a gritty 12-5 victory over Germany, while the 2022 edition was shelved due to financial challenges. This streak echoes Kenya’s golden run from 2008 to 2010, when the team lifted the Safari Sevens title three times consecutively.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s second-string side, Morans, has named a 13-man squad aimed at showcasing the next generation of local talent. John Okoth will captain the youthful side, which includes exciting debutants Clinton Amukachi, Daniel Kipchirchir and Rayvon Ambale.
SHUJAA SQUAD
Kevin Wekesa, George Ooro (C), Vincent Onyala, Dennis Abukuse, Gabby Ayimba, Samuel Asati (C), Nygel Amaitsa, Christan Ojwang, Patrick Odongo, Jackson Siketi, Floyd Wabwire, Festus Shiasi, William Mwanji
MORANS SQUAD
John Okoth (C), Brian Mutua, Elvis Olukusi, Clinton
Amukachi, Barnabas Owuor, Eugene Ojiambo, Daniel Kipchirchir, Rayvon Ambale, David
Nyangige, Elton Amalemba, Arnold Agonda, Victor Mola, Arnold Muita.
