The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has named Shujaa’s provisional squad ahead of the Rugby Africa 7s tournament that will take place in Harare, Zimbabwe, on September 16 and 17, 2023.

The continental tournament will serve a double purpose, given that it is also the African qualification process for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Kenya are in Pool B, which also has Zambia, Namibia, and Nigeria. In Pool A, South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia, and Ivory Coast are the ticket contestants, while Uganda, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Algeria are the rivals in Pool C.

Shujaa’s new chapter

Meanwhile, the naming of Shujaa’s squad comes after KRU confirmed a new technical bench for the national side. Kevin Wambua was given the reins to take charge of the outfit, and he will be assisted by Louis Kisia, who will act as his assistant.

Steve Sewe, Lameck Bogonko, Andrew Amonde, Chris Brown, and Eric Ogweno are serving on the technical bench as team manager, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, consultant, conditioning and strengthening coach, and team liaison, respectively.

As Kenya start a new chapter under Wambua, KRU chair Sasha Mutai exuded confidence on the new bench.

“As the Kenya Rugby Union, we are immensely proud and excited to announce the Technical Bench that will lead our Kenya 7s team during the Olympic qualifiers.

“We have full confidence in Coach Wambua and his team, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in their respective fields. With their expertise and the unwavering support of our fans, we are confident that our team will make our nation proud as they strive for success on the international stage.

“Together, we look forward to a promising future for Kenyan rugby and witnessing the incredible achievements of our team on the global stage,” Mutai said.

Kenya 7s Provisional Squad:

Brian Tanga, Kevin Wekesa, William Mwanjii, Jone Kubu, Lamech Ambesta (Kabras Sugar), George Ooro, Barnabas Owuor, Brunson Madigu, Nigel Amaitsa, Victor Odhiambo (Strathmore Leos), Austin Sikutwa, Vincent Onyala, Elvis Olukusi, Samuel Asati, Festus Shiasi (KCB), Samuel Ovwamu, Floyd Wabwire, Patrick Odongo (Daystar Falcons), Brian Mutugi, Stephen Sikuta, Ronnie Omondi.

Tony Omondi, Daniel Taabu, Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba), John Okoth, Beldad Ogeta, Steve Arunga, Dennis Abukuse (Menengai Oilers), Felix Makokha, Herman Humwa, Amon Wamalwa, Paul Mutsami, David Mwangi (Kenya Harlequin), Chrisant Ojwang (Nakuru), Fidens Tony (Nondescripts), Brian Mutua (Homeboyz)