Shujaa seek redemption in Hong Kong after Vancouver struggles

Shujaa winger Patrick Odongo in action against Australia at Dubai Sevens. [Kenya Sevens]

After a disappointing outing in Vancouver, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/rugby/article/2001514852/hong-kong-sevens-shujaa-renew-rivalry-with-spain-great-britain">Kenya’s national rugby sevens team<, Shujaa, is seeking redemption as they head into the Hong Kong Sevens set to kick off today at the newly unveiled Kai Tak Stadium.

With only two rounds remaining in the HSBC SVNS regular season, the Kenyan side faces a crucial ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/rugby/article/2001509084/why-2025-is-a-defining-year-for-kenya-sevens">battle to avoid relegation play-offs< and secure their place among the world’s top eight elite teams.

Shujaa endured a torrid time in Vancouver,="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/amp/rugby/article/2001514739/kenya-lionesses-take-world-rugby-sevens-dream-chase-to-poland"> finishing last in the competition < after losing all their matches, including both group games and the knockout rounds.

The poor results left Kenya in ninth place on the overall standings with 15 points, just one spot outside the relegation zone. To avoid the dreaded play-offs, the team must finish inside the top eight by the end of the Singapore leg next month.

With the pressure mounting, head coach Kevin Wambua has named a determined 13-man squad for the Hong Kong tournament, led by captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati.

The squad features experienced campaigners such as Brian Tanga, Vincent Onyala, and Kevin Wekesa, alongside rising talents like Festus Shiasi and Patrick Odongo.

Their resilience and hunger for success will be put to the test in Group C, where they will battle against Spain, Great Britain, and France.

Kenya’s campaign begins with a tricky clash against Spain today at 6.39am (East African Time), followed by another challenging test against Great Britain at 9.23am.

The team will then conclude their group-stage matches against France tomorrow (5.16am).

Wambua remains optimistic despite the recent setbacks, emphasizing the importance of bouncing back and putting up a strong fight in Hong Kong.

“We have had honest conversations with the boys. We know the task ahead, and we need to bring our best game in Hong Kong. The focus is on fixing our mistakes from Vancouver and making sure we are in control of our destiny,” said Wambua.

The new HSBC SVNS format has raised the stakes, with only the top eight teams securing automatic qualification for the final championship event in Los Angeles on May 3-4.

The teams ranked from ninth to 12th at the end of the Singapore leg will enter a play-off against the top four teams from the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, battling for their core status.