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Kenya 7s tactician Louis Kisia has confirmed the team’s readiness for the HSBC SVNS playoffs in Madrid.

The determined Shujaa squad is focused on returning to the World 7s Series after a year-long absence. According to Kisia, the Kenya 7s assistant coach, everything is in place as they kick off their campaign on Friday, May 31.

“This is what we have been preparing for the entire season,” Kisia said. “The boys are in high spirits. We had a productive session in France where we worked on everything from attack, defense, and set-piece to basic core skills,” he told World Rugby.

Kenya 7s debutants

Kenya’s squad for the World Series Final in Madrid features several debutants, including Chrisant Ojwang, Samuel Asati, Lameck Ambetsa, and Nygel Amaitsa.

Experienced players like captains Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi, and Herman Humwa are expected to play crucial roles in the promotion battle. Shujaa, having performed well in the recently concluded Challenger Series, is aware of the challenges posed by the seven teams in the promotion race.

“Our mantra for the entire season has been to take one game at a time. It’s going to be a long weekend. There will be ups and downs, but the boys have trained hard all season,” Kisia added.

Kenya 7s are in Pool B alongside Spain, Samoa, and Chile. Spain and Samoa, who finished in the bottom four of the HSBC SVNS, will make their playoff debuts, while Kenya 7s and Chile qualified for this competition by placing in the top four of the Challenger Series.

Former Kenya 7s coach Mike Friday will lead the United States in Pool A against Canada, Uruguay, and Germany. Uruguay and Canada will be making their second consecutive appearance in the competition. Friday expressed his disappointment at his team being in the qualifiers but acknowledged the challenge ahead.

“To say we are disappointed to be in this relegation competition is a huge understatement, but that is the reality of where we find ourselves after the tumultuous world of sevens and how this format plays out.

“Our squad is balanced with some real physicality, adding to the power and speed normally associated with us. I am pleased with our focus and drive over the past few weeks, and we are only concentrating on what is to come.

“We will have done our preparation on each of the teams we face and understand what is required to be successful in this format. The boys are eager to get into the trenches and get on with the job,” Friday said.

Kenya 7s Playing Times:

Friday, May 31, 2024

Kenya vs. Samoa at 6:25 p.m.

Kenya vs. Spain at 10:18 p.m.

Saturday, June 1, 2024

Kenya vs. Chile at 8:18 p.m.