Onyala backs Shujaa to replicate Dubai success in Montevideo Challenger Series
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 07.03.24. | 16:04
Onyala is optimistic that the team will replicate their Dubai performance to emerge champions in Montevideo.
Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa captain Vincent Onyala has backed the team to garner good results in the second World Rugby HSBC Challenger 2024 series slated for March 8-10 in Montevideo, Uruguay.
The side heads to the tournament as favorites, having won the opening leg of the Challenger Series held in Dubai. They currently hold 20 points, maintaining a two-point lead over Chile.
The team clinched the Challenger Series opener by defeating Chile 12-5 in the final at the Sevens Stadium, with Patrick Odongo's crucial two tries playing a pivotal role.
Onyala is optimistic that the team will replicate their Dubai performance to emerge champions in Montevideo.
"It is a great feeling to be in Uruguay. We had a stellar performance in the first one. We hope to replicate the same in the second leg, and we hope our fans are out there watching. We are ready for the task, and we are not going to disappoint you," he stated.
The KCB Rugby speedster further expressed gratitude to the thousands of Shujaa fans worldwide, noting that their support kept the team going.
"We highly appreciate our supporters back home and everyone who chose to walk with us on this journey. We urge you to continue with the same spirit and help the game to grow," he averred.
Onyala also noted that the team was using the Challenger Series as a springboard ahead of the upcoming Paris Olympics. He was hopeful that Shujaa would claim a podium finish at the Olympics.
"This leg is very important because it is a build-up towards the Olympics for which we have already qualified. We are hopeful that we will keep growing, and we are aiming for a podium finish at the Olympics," he noted.
Shujaa have been placed in Pool A together with Tonga, Georgia, and Portugal. Onyala noted that they expect a competitive tournament since most teams were relegated from the World HSBC Challenger Series.
"The Challenger Series is competitive because most teams have come from the World Series. It is like the replication of the HSBC Challenger Series. We anticipate a competitive tournament," he revealed.
They will start their campaign with a match against Portugal on March 8 at 9:10 pm, their sole match for the day.
The following day, on March 9, Kevin Wambua's charges will play two matches; against Georgia and Tonga.
They will tackle the former at 1:48 pm before locking horns with the latter at 8:46 pm.
Following that, depending on their performance, the team will proceed to the next level of competition.
Shujaa squad to Montevideo: Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi, Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Dennis Abukuse, George Ooro, Nygel Amaitsa, Samuel Asati, Ben Salem, Chrissant Ojwang, Lamec Ambetsa, Elvis Olukusi
