Kenya Sevens' head coach Kevin Wambua has made five changes to the national team ahead of the HSBC Challenger series leg slated for March 9-10 in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Dennis Abukuse and Ben Salem return to the side while Lamec Ambetsa, Chrisant Ojwang and Elvis Olukusi are in line for their debuts in South America.
Missing out is Patrick Odongo, who top-scored with 11 tries in Dubai. Odongo is recovering from an injury sustained during Daystar Falcons’ 39-12 victory against Kabarak University three weeks ago in the KRU Championship.
Brian Tanga is recovering from illness while Festus Shiasi, William Mwanji and Brian Mutugi are not on the traveling team.
Wambua's charges started an intense three-day training camp on Monday at St Andrew's Turi, Molo with the tactician revealing that their target is to qualify for the semifinals of the South America leg.
“We hope to make it to the semis in Uruguay. It won't be easy considering the calibre of our opponents. We expect our rivals to come hard at us but we want to stay a step ahead of the chasing pack. We must, therefore, come up with innovative ways in our attack, defence and set piece,” added Wambua. Shujaa face 2023 Challenger champions Tonga, Georgia and Portugal in Pool 'A'
"It's a very tricky pool considering Tonga are a physical side with a lot of experience. Georgia are rising fast while Portugal are expected to test us accordingly and play a fast-paced game,” observed Wambua.
Shujaa who won the opening leg in Dubai in January when they beat Chile 12-5 in the final said the ultimate goal will be to qualify for the World Sevens Series in 2024 -2025.
“Most definitely the objective is to go back to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series. The guys are confident…it will not be easy but we are up to the task,” he said.
After the tournament in Uruguay, the series will head to Munich Germany on May 18-19 and the final qualifier is slated for Madrid, Spain on May 31- June 2.
At the final qualifier, the top four teams from the Challenger Seven Series will meet the final four teams from the World Sevens Series. Thereafter, the top four teams qualify for the 2024-2025 World Sevens Series.
In the women's category, Japan-based Janet Okello returns for the women’s team, the Lionesses, after missing out on the opening leg in Dubai.
Okello, who replaces Diana Kemunto, is the only change to the side that finished second in the opening round in Dubai.
Shujaa Vincent Onyala (KCB, co-captain), Tony Omondi (Mwamba, co-captain), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras), John Okoth (Oilers), George Ooro (Strathmore), Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore), Samuel Asati (KCB), Dennis Abukuse (Oilers), Ben Salem (Nondes), Chrisant Ojwang (Nakuru, ), Lamec Ambetsa (Kabras) and Elvis Olukusi (KCB ).
Lionesses
Sheila Chajira (captain), Naomi Amuguni, Judith Okumu, Stella Wafula, Sharon Auma, Grace Okulu, Janet Okello, Christabel Lindo, Sinaida Nyachio, Maureen Muritu, Phoebe Akinyi and Terry Ayesa.
