Kenya Shujaa will be aiming for a top-eight finish when they compete in the fourth leg of the HSBC Sevens Series next weekend in Vancouver, Canada.

Coach Kevin Wambua has named a 13-man squad, co-captained by George Ooro of Strathmore Leos and Samuel Asati of KCB RFC.

KCB fly-half Jone Kubu, whose pace, trickery, and stamina are expected to add a new dimension to the squad, has earned his first call-up to the sevens team, having previously played for the Simbas in the 15s format.

The experienced playmaker is joined by his 18-year-old Kabras teammate, Jackson Siketi, who is also a student at Koyonzo Secondary School.

Reflecting on the team’s preparations, Coach Wambua highlighted the squad’s commitment over the past fortnight as they fine-tuned their approach ahead of the crucial tournament.

“The past week in camp has been incredibly intense, with every player making a strong case for selection. This competitiveness has significantly raised our training standards, refining key aspects of our game.

“We fell just eight points short of a quarter-final spot in Perth. This time, we have meticulously adjusted our strategy, with a strong emphasis on game management, particularly in the final three minutes. Our set-piece execution, as well as our attacking and defensive structures, have been sharpened to ensure a more clinical performance,” Wambua noted.

He further expressed confidence in the inclusion of Kubu’s experience and Siketi’s youthful skill set, believing they will bolster the squad’s push for an eighth-place finish.

“Our pool is tough, but one of the teams we are directly competing with for survival is Great Britain, so we must be prepared. The squad is full of confidence, and we have been focusing on tactical and technical aspects, particularly set-pieces and ball handling,” Wambua added.

Captain Asati echoed his coach’s optimism, stating that the team is determined to turn their fortunes around after dropping to ninth place following the Perth leg.

“The mood in camp is great, and the team is raring to go. I believe Vancouver will be our turning point, and securing a top-eight finish is very much within reach. Training has been excellent, with a particular focus on ball-handling, set-pieces, and closing out games; an area where we have struggled. I think it’s largely a mental issue, so concentration will be key,” Asati said.

The national team scrum-half also praised his teammates for making his leadership role easier.

“It is a privilege to lead this team, and I believe my teammates make me better. With a young squad, there is always pressure, but the experience of players like Onyala (Vincent), Tanga (Brian) and Omondi (Anthony) brings calmness, allowing us to focus better as a unit,” he added.

Kenya has been drawn in a challenging pool alongside Argentina, France, and Uruguay—similar to their grouping in Perth. The team will kick off their campaign on the morning of Saturday, February 22, against Argentina, followed by a clash with former series winners France later that day. They will wrap up their group stage matches on Saturday night against a tricky Uruguay side.

Kenya Shujaa squad comprise Samuel Asati, George Ooro, Kevin Wekesa, Vincent Onyala, Dennis Abukuse, Anthony Omondi, William Mwanji, Brian Tanga, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, Floyd Wabwire, Jone Kubu and Jackson Siketi.