• Shujaa are in Pool C alongside Speranza 22, R10C Selects, and Wailers and start their campaign against R1OC Selects at 2:40 EAT.
• Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses will be without key forward Sharon Aura due to injury.
Image: CHARLENE MALWA
Strathmore Leos forward George Ooro has been recalled to the Kenya Sevens side for the Dubai Invitational tournament that starts on Friday.
Ooro missed the Safari Sevens due to a nose injury sustained in training but has recovered to retake his place in the side.
Coach Kevin Wambua has opted to maintain the core of the squad that clinched Olympic qualification by securing victory at the Rugby Africa 7s in Harare, Zimbabwe, with Herman Humwa and Brian Mutugi retaining their spots from the Safari 7s side.
Shujaa are in Pool C alongside Speranza 22, R10C Selects, and Wailers and start their campaign against R1OC Selects at 2:40 pm. They will then face Wailers at 2:20 pm on Saturday and conclude their pool matches with a clash against Speranza 22 at 5 pm.
Wambua said the level of competition at the Dubai event will be vital as they prepare for the Challenger Series in the same city in January 2024.
“We are playing some top teams in the competition and we hope we can match them across all facets of play as we prepare for the Challenger Series next year,” said Wambua.
Shujaa will go into the tournament full of confidence having bagged the Africa Sevens title in Harare in September — where they beat South Africa 17-12 in the final. A fortnight ago, they won the Safari Sevens title after beating Samurai 19-0 in the final.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses will be without key forward Sharon Aura due to injury. Stepping into her role is newcomer Edith Naliaka while Sheila Chajira returns as head coach Dennis McGowan adheres to a proven strategy for the Dubai campaign.
The Lionesses are in Pool B against Ireland Invitational, USA Falcons, Rhino Stompers, and French Militaire Sevens. The Kenyans’ campaign kicks off at 5:40 pm on Friday — against Ireland Invitational.
They will then Rhino Stompers at 7:20 pm and French Militaire at 3:20 pm on Saturday. They then face USA Falcons at 7 pm.
The Kenyan sides depart on Wednesday.
Shujaa: Anthony Omondi, Vincent Onyala (Co-Captains), Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Herman Humwa, William Mwanji, Brian Tanga, Samuel Asati, Nygel Amaitsa, Festus Shiasi, Patrick Odongo, Brian Mutugi, George Ooro.
Lionesses: Stella Wafula, Maureen Muritu, Phoebe Akinyi, Naomi Amuguni, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Judith Okumu, Sinaida Nyachio, Grace Okulu, Edith Nariaka, Diana Ochieng, Diana Kemunto.