All eyes on Shujaa as new stars emerge from National 7s Circuit

Kenya Sevens in action during the World Rugby Challenger Series.[World Rugby]

As Kenya’s rugby fans eagerly await the start of the 2024-2025 World Rugby Sevens Series season, all eyes are now on Shujaa technical bench, led by head coach Kelvin ‘Bling’ Wambua.

The upcoming season, which kicks off on December 1 in Dubai, will test Wambua’s selection skills as the nation watches to see if he will bring fresh talent into the squad. This comes after an impressive showing of new stars during the just-concluded National Sevens Circuit.

The National Sevens Circuit has long been a breeding ground for Kenyan rugby talent, and last year was no different.

The 2023 edition birthed stars such as Nygel Amaitsa, Samwel Asati, Patrick Odongo, George Ooro, Dennis Abukuse, Chrisant Ojwang, and Lamech Ambetsa.

These young players helped lift Shujaa from relegation in the World Rugby Challenger Series, restoring the team to its rightful place in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Now, as the 2024 circuit comes to a close, the rugby fraternity is once again buzzing with anticipation.

Will Wambua identify and integrate another set of rising stars into the Shujaa squad? With a number of key players nursing injuries, the pressure to reinforce the team with new talent is palpable.

Lamech Ambetsa (ankle), John Okoth (thigh), and Brian Tanga (wrist) are among those on the injury list, creating an urgent need for fresh reinforcements.

Among the standout performers in this year’s National Sevens Circuit was Amon Wamalwa, the tournament’s top points scorer.

Wamalwa’s performances were pivotal in Kenya Harlequin’ journey to dethrone KCB Rugby as champions, despite Harlequin finishing fifth in the final leg at Prinsloo Sevens, which was won by Strathmore University Leos.

Harlequin scrum-half Lucky Dewald was another notable name, impressing with his tactical awareness and quick decision-making.

Other players who shone throughout the circuit included KCB’s Michael Wamalwa and Elvis Olukusi, Kabras Sugar’s Jackson Sketta, Menengai Oilers’ Beldad Ogeta, and Masinde Muliro University’s Veron Kaburu.

Their strong performances have raised hopes of them earning call-ups to the national team.

While current Shujaa stars like Dennis Abukuse, William Muhanji, George Ooro, and Samwel Asati maintained their high standards throughout the circuit, there is a growing expectation that Wambua will bring in new blood.

The technical team’s choices will be crucial, not only in filling injury gaps but also in revitalising the squad ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive World Rugby Sevens Series season.

With Kenya’s return to the prestigious global tournament, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The 2024-2025 season will be an opportunity for Shujaa to reestablish themselves among the world’s elite.