Kenya Sevens will use this weekend's Safari Sevens as a build-up for the 2024 Challenger Series.
Shujaa, who are the defending champions, stepped up their training sessions with a residential camp in the last two weeks.
Shujaa assistant coach Louis Kisia believes they are relishing the challenge of facing some of the top Sevens teams over the two days.
“We have worked on several aspects of our play from our attack, defence the breakdown. I am talking about our basic core skills to ensure we are in good shape come Saturday when the tournament kickoffs off,” said
The Challenger Series is the pathway teams use to qualify for the World Seven Series and will be played in Dubai, Munich and Madrid in the first part of next year.
Kisia said a successful Safari Sevens would be a step in the right direction for his young charges. “If we win the Safari Sevens, it will really build the boys' confidence for the upcoming tournaments,” observed Kisia.
The Strathmore Leos coach expects a stern test from former champions Samurai, Uganda, and Western Province from South Africa during the two-day rugby extravaganza.
“The Sevens game is quite competitive. There are no easy teams and the three teams mentioned are very strong and will test us accordingly,” added Kisia.
On weather conditions to expect, Kisia said they have adapted to the wet weather and rains currently pounding the city and its environs.
“We train every morning in the wet muddy conditions and the boys have acclimatized to it so we are more up to the challenge,” added Kisia.
The two Kenya sides Shujaa and Morans are expected to be named on Thursday and the tactician said competition for places has been intense.
“The players are fighting hard for their places and it gives us a technical bench a good problem as the players have raised up their game," noted Kisia.
The tournament was not held last year due to a lack of sponsors but returns this year with sponsorship from Kenya Breweries Limited through their Tusker brand to the tune of Sh12 million.
Kenyans are also expected to be represented by the Lionesses in the women's category
