Shiasi dreams big after making national team cut

It was not until Kenya 7s national team coach Kevin Wambua released his Africa Men’s 7s squad that KCB Rugby’s star Festus Shiasi realised that he had made yet another piece of history.

Shiasi was among the six debutants introduced to the Shujaa squad. The other new faces were Nygel Amaitsa, Samuel Asati, Patrick Odongo, Beldad Ogeta, and William Mwanji making the cut.

The squad will be representing Kenya in the Africa Men’s 7s-cum Olympic qualifiers matches set for Harare, Zimbabwe this weekend.

Onyala returns as Coach Wambua names Kenya 7s travelling squad to Harare

According to the Christie 7s Most Valuable Player, making the final cut for the national team was a dream come true. The former Strathmore Leos player also assured to fight tooth and nail for the jersey.

Shujaa’s first assignment will be to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. Wambua’s charges have been placed in Pool B that sees them tackle Nigeria, Namibia, and Zambia. Their next mission will be to return to the HSBC series after Kenya was relegated for the first time in two decades.

“It feels great since it has been my dream to join the national team. I am ticking the boxes in my rugby career. I am looking forward to performing better, qualifying for the Olympics, and also returning to the HSBC,” the enthusiastic Shiasi said

Kevin Wambua’s charges will kick start their day with a match against Nigeria before tackling Namibia in the next match. They will finish their pool campaign with a match against Zambia.

Quins' 2023 national 7s circuit through coach Paul Murunga's eyes

Shiasi noted that the boys will take a game at a time. He further assured that they were well prepared to tackle stronger opponents like South Africa.

Both Kenya and fellow Africans South Africa failed to secure direct tickets to the Paris 2024 Olympics after finishing outside the top four in the recently concluded season. Shujaa will be competing in their first competition since facing relegation from the World Rugby 7s series.

“Our plan is to win all the day one games, then we will take each game at a time. Our focus is on the finals, maybe we will meet South Africa. I believe the boys are ready, we have put in the hard work and sure we will make a difference,” Shiasi assured.

Nicknamed Smadi, Shiasi is one of the most promising KCB Rugby’s players. Prior to his call-up to the den, he had stints with Mean Machine and Nairobi School where his career began. He was among the new signings to KCB Rugby during the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old, from Strathmore Leos, made his debut for the Bankers when he assisted them in their 62-15 victory over Menengai Oilers on February 13.

Six months later, Shiasi bagged the Christie 7s Most Valuable Player at the RFUEA Grounds on Sunday, August 13. He was key in KCB Rugby’s dominance in the recently concluded circuit.