Why 2025 is a defining year for Kenya Sevens

Shujaa winger Patrick Odongo in action against Australia at Dubai Sevens. [Kenya Sevens] The dawn of 2025 presents a make-or-break moment for Shujaa, Kenya's national rugby sevens team, as they embark on the third leg of the 2024-2025 HSBC SVNS season in Perth, Australia, later this month. After enduring the heartbreak of relegation in 2023 and clawing their way back to the World Rugby Sevens Series, the Kenyan side finds itself in a battle not just for survival but for reestablishing itself as a force to reckon with in global rugby sevens. Kenya's return to the World Series last December was a triumph of resilience and determination. Guided by head coach Kelvin 'Bling' Wambua, Shujaa has demonstrated that their resurgence is no fluke. From winning the Africa Sevens to securing a top-two finish in the Challenger Series, which also guaranteed them a berth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Shujaa has shown flashes of the brilliance that once made them giants of the sevens game. Yet, their mission for 2025 is crystal clear: retain their core status in the elite circuit and avoid the pitfalls of relegation. As the team sits ninth in the standings with 11 points-one-point shy of safety-the stakes could not be higher. A transition anchored in hope Shujaa's resurgence has been built on a foundation of youth and fresh talent stepping up to fill the void left by legends like Collins Injera, Humphrey Kayange, Billy Odhiambo, Willy Ambaka, and Andrew Amonde, who have all since retired. While their absence left a huge hole in leadership and experience, it has also ushered in a new era for Kenyan rugby. The likes of speedster Patrick Odongo, dynamic forward George Ooro, and the industrious Samwel Asati have emerged as the faces of this new generation. Alongside them, rising stars like Kevin Wekesa, Nygel Amaitsa, and Dennis Abukuse have injected fresh energy into the team. Coach Wambua, a steady hand in turbulent times, acknowledges how this youthful infusion has galvanised the squad. "Transition is never easy, especially when you lose players who have carried the team for years," Wambua remarked. "But the young players have brought hunger, energy, and a fresh perspective. They've embraced the challenge, and while we still have a lot of work to do, this team has immense potential." Shujaa began their 2024-2025 campaign with a mixed bag of results at the Dubai Sevens in December. The team managed only two wins from five matches, finishing 10th overall. Despite the inconsistency, there were moments of brilliance that hinted at a bright future. In their opening match, Shujaa pushed reigning World and Olympic champions France to the brink, losing narrowly 24-19 in extra time. They bounced back with a stunning 22-17 victory over South Africa, a win that reminded fans of Kenya's ability to punch above their weight. However, a disappointing 31-14 loss to Australia dashed their hopes of advancing to the Main Cup quarterfinals. Scrum half Samwel Asati reflected on the Dubai outing, praising the team's camaraderie while emphasising the need for improvement. "We've shown we can compete with the best, but we need to be more consistent. Every match is a learning experience, and we're growing with each game," Asati said. In Cape Town, Shujaa built on their momentum, capping an impressive second leg with a seventh-place finish after a resounding 33-17 victory over Great Britain in the playoffs. The performance demonstrated the team's ability to adapt and improve, qualities they will need to sustain throughout the season. High stakes and hopes The stakes for Shujaa in 2025 are monumental. The revamped HSBC SVNS format, which spans seven global events, offers both opportunities and challenges. The top eight teams after six events will qualify for the winner-takes-all World Championship in Los Angeles, where the series champions will be crowned. For Kenya, finishing in the top eight would not only secure their place in the elite circuit but also signify a return to the upper echelons of world rugby sevens. However, failure to secure a top-eight finish would plunge them into the promotion-relegation playoffs, where teams ranked ninth to 12th will battle against the top four Challenger Series teams for a spot in next season's World Series. Currently, Shujaa's ninth-place standing means they have no margin for error. Each match in Perth and the subsequent legs in Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Singapore will be a test of their resilience, strategy, and ability to handle pressure. Despite the challenges, there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding Shujaa. The youthful exuberance of the squad, coupled with the guidance of Wambua and the leadership of Ooro, Asati, provides a strong foundation for success. Moreover, the team's ability to compete with top-tier opponents, as seen in their narrow loss to France and victory over South Africa and Australia, is a testament to their potential. As Kenya prepares for the Perth Sevens, the message is clear: the journey back to the top will not be easy, but it is within reach. With their work cut out, Shujaa must channel their youthful energy, harness their flashes of brilliance, and strive for the consistency needed to cement their place among the world's elite. For now, the world will watch as Kenya's sevens gladiators take the field in Perth, their sights firmly set on redemption and a brighter future.

Why 2025 is a defining year for Kenya Sevens

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