Shujaa retain Safari Sevens title

Kenya Shujaa are the 2023 Safari 7s champions after beating Samurai Baraccudas tournament at RFUEA ground on Sunday, Nov 19, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Shujaa are the 2023 Safari Sevens champions.

Daystar University student Patrick Odongo scored two tries to inspire Shujaa to a 19-0 win over Samurai as Kenya retained the Safari Sevens title.

Odongo, who was intrumental when Kenya Sevens won the Africa Sevens title a few months ago, was on fire in the final yesterday, after destroying the Samurai rack to overturn possession and then proceeded to touch down the opening try in the third minute.

Anthony Omondi converted the resultant try to give Shujaa a 7-0 half time lead.

In the final half, Shujaa demonstrated sheer strength and physicality through Kevin Wekesa who apart from destroying Samurai's racks, touched down the second try to push the scores to 12-0 after missed conversion.

Odongo then sealed the win with a late try for a 19-0 sore after the conversation.

Speaking after the win, Shujaa head coach Kevin 'Bling' Wambua said the victory is for the Kenyan fans who pushed them beyond their limit since day one of the tournament on Saturday.

"This win is for the fans. I give it to the Kenyans who were on our back throughout the tournament. We ticked almost all the boxes with our strength being overturning possession after restarts, one of the key areas we have being working on," said Wambua.

Former Shujaa star Andrew Amonde, who was the assistant coach, said he was happy with the progress of the development of the team as they prepare for the Paris Olympics next year.

"We used this tournament as one of the preparations for the Olympics. Playing some of the strong teams like Samurai and Uganda helped us gauge our strength and weaknesses and I am happy that we are moving towards the right direction in terms of achieving our goals and game plan, " said Amonde.

Uganda Cranes finished third after thrashing 2021 finalists Germany 31-5 to win bronze.

Kenya Morans finished fifth after a 26-0 win over KCB as Red Wailers won the Challenge Cup after a 24-10 win over Tropic Sevens in the seventh place final playoffs.

South Africa All Stars were ninth after completing a 28-21 win over Western Province.

In the women's category, Uganda Lady Cranes dethroned Kenya after stunning the Lionesses 15-12 in the final. 

The win was a perfect revenge for Uganda who last week lost 87-3 to Kenya Lionesses in the Elgons Cup final played in Kisumu.

Kenya Cubs finished third after a 31-7 win over Tropic Cubs to win bronze.