Shujaa, Lionesses ready for Dubai tour

Shujaa's Captain Vincent Onyala sprint with ball during the 2023 Safari 7s tournament match against South African Allstars at RFUEA ground on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The traveling rosters for both the Shujaa and Lionesses have been finalized as they gear up for the International Invitation Category at the Dubai 7s, scheduled to take place from December 1-3 in Dubai, UAE.

George Ooro makes a return to the Shujaa squad, having missed the team's successful campaign at the Safari 7s due to injury.

Head 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. Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi share the co-captaincy of the team.

Key Lionesses player Sharon Auma, pivotal in their journey to the Rugby Africa Women's 7s Cup final in Tunisia in October, will be absent from the Dubai tour due to injury. Stepping into her role is newcomer Edith Nariaka while Sheila Chajira returns as Head Coach Dennis Mwanja adheres to a proven strategy for the Dubai campaign.

Shujaa is assigned to Pool C in the Men's International Invitation Category, competing alongside Speranza 22, R10C Selects, and Wailers. Their pool stage begins at 2:40 pm EAT on Friday, December 1, against R1OC Selects.

Following this, they proceed with a match against Wailers at 2:20 pm on Saturday, December 2, concluding their pool stage with a clash against Speranza 22 at 5:00 pm on the same day.

Meanwhile, the Lionesses find themselves in Pool B, facing off against Ireland Invitational, USA Falcons, Rhino Stompers, and French Militaire Sevens.

Their campaign initiates at 5:40 pm on Friday, December 1, against Ireland Invitational. Subsequently, they take on the Rhino Stompers at 7:20 pm on the same day, followed by a match against French Militaire Sevens at 3:20 pm on Saturday. The pool stage wraps up with a game against the USA Falcons at 7:00 pm on the same day.

Travelling Squads

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