Another tough pool awaits Shujaa in Dubai

After a disappointing eighth-place finish in the 2021/22 HSBC World Rugby
Sevens opener tournament in Dubai, Shujaa will this weekend be seeking to amend a performance that was marred by poor execution at crucial moments.

Shujaa head coach Innocent “Namcos” Simiyu identified execution as the main area of concern as he hopes to blast through another tough Pool B in the second event, kicking off this Friday at the same venue, the Sevens Stadium, where fans will be allowed to follow the action.

“It was a tough outing, but we are happy with the effort put in by the boys. Our execution at key moments of the games cost us. This weekend it’s another tough pool again as any team can qualify,” Namcos told People Sport.

Kenya is this weekend expected to face USA, Australia and Canada where Namcos’ charges will not be under pressure having played three of the top sides from the first competition.

Shujaa lost to runners-up USA and third-placed Argentina by a solitary try
in each match while fourth placed Fiji knocked Kenya out from the main cup contention before the team dipped low to lose to Great Britain and Ireland to finish eighth with 10 points.

Shujaa managed just a try in each of the three matches played on Saturday to raise the issue of execution after surviving the opening day where good defense helped the team to make quarter-finals cut thanks to a superior points difference compared to both France and Canada.

Against Fiji in the opening match on Saturday, Shujaa drew first blood through Herman Humwa, but the Fijians played creative rugby to make a comeback and knock out Kenya in a 19-5 win.