Kenya 7s announce squad to Olympics

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Wednesday, July 3, 2024
12:19 pm

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The squad representing Kenya Rugby 7s in the Olympics in Paris later this month has been revealed.

Co-captain Vincent Onyala and Kenya Harlequins talisman Herman Humwa are set for their second appearance at the Olympics while the rest of the squad will be making their debuts at the summer games.

Onyala and Humwa were part of the Shujaa squad that graced the 2022 Tokyo Olympics where Kenya finished 9^th, winning two of the five matches played.

Head coach Kevin Wambua has stuck to the team that played in the HSBC Challenger series, subsequently securing promotion to the World Series at the finals played in Madrid.

Festus Shiasi and Dennis Abukuse who are part of the Kenya Morans squad will join the team in France as traveling reserves while Brian Mutua is the training reserve.

Kenya 7s pools

Kenya qualified as the African Champions after beating South Africa 17-12 in the final of the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens in Harare, Zimbabwe. Shujaa is in Pool B alongside SVNS League winners and world number two Argentina, Australia, and Samoa.

Pool A will see top seeds New Zealand clash with Ireland, Japan, and eventual World Rugby Sevens Repechage winners South Africa.

Humphrey Kayange poses with Kenya 7s. PHOTO/@OfficialKRU/X

Hosts France will be hoping to replicate the blitzing form that saw them win the inaugural HSBC SVNS Grand Final title earlier this month in Pool C encounters against double Olympic champions Fiji, USA, and debutants Uruguay.

Wambua remains confident ahead of the Summer Games, stating that a combination of effort, commitment, and preparation will be critical in ensuring Shujaa’s success.

“The team has been in camp, and we are pleased with how well we have gelled together. Each player has shown dedication and commitment, both on and off the field. We are ready to give our very best at the Olympics. Our preparation has been intense, focusing on refining our skills and strategies,” Wambua said.

“We are determined to represent Kenya with pride and aim to make a significant impact in Paris. With the support of our fans and the nation behind us, we are confident in our abilities and look forward to competing at the highest level.”