Former Kenya Sevens head coach Mike Friday set to make Safari Sevens return
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 07.10.24. | 20:52
The much-anticipated tournament will be played from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 October at Machakos Stadium
The 2024 Safari 7s is set to welcome back a familiar face in the world of rugby; Mike Friday, the former head coach of both the USA and Kenya Sevens teams.
The much-anticipated tournament will be played from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 October at Machakos Stadium. It is the first time it will be held outside Nairobi County.
After nine years, Friday is returning to Kenyan soil to lead Shogun Rugby, formerly known as Samurai, in a highly anticipated comeback to the tournament.
This time, Shogun Rugby will also make history by fielding a women’s team, promising fans a unique and thrilling experience.
Friday expressed his excitement in an X post, noting that he could not wait to visit Kenya again.
“You see how happy I am to be coming back to the land of Shujaa! See you soon at Safari 7s,” he posted.
He will be joined by former England International Michael Hunt as his assistant, creating a dynamic coaching duo for Shogun Rugby’s men’s side.
Among the confirmed players for the Shoguns are Spain’s Angel Bozal, Jamaican star Conan Osborne, and Russia’s Nikolai Gilev.
The women’s team, led by coach Jonathan Hooper, features a diverse group of talents, including Scotland’s Mary Nelson, Australia’s Tiarne Cavanagh, and Uganda’s Emily Lekuru.
With players from 12 different countries, Shogun Rugby has assembled an impressive squad aiming to make a strong impression in Machakos.
They last won the title in 2019 with a 21-14 victory over Shujaa and will be keen to reclaim it. Last year, they suffered a 19-0 loss to Shujaa.
The team also shared their excitement in an official statement on social media.
“Shogun will be at this year’s Safari 7s with a surprise! Alongside our exciting group of players, we will, for the first time, field a women’s team. We are also thrilled to have former Shujaa Head Coach, Mike ‘Otoyo’ Friday, leading our men’s side.”
In a promotional video, Friday delighted fans with his signature humor, saying, “Otoyo here, I’m coming to the Safari 7s! I haven’t been since 2015 and I’m massively looking forward to it. I’ll get to see long-term friends and a few old foes. Always remember, witchcraft is real, and Otoyo and Shogun are coming. Buckle up, and see you soon!”
