Shujaa coach Kevin Wambua handed two-year contract extension

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has extended coach Kevin Wambua's alias Bling contract for two more years following his impressive performance with the Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa.

The Mwamba RFC tactician had signed a short-term contract with the Union after it parted ways with English coach Damian Mc Grath.

Bling's appointment marked the end of a rather unceremonious 14 months in office for the former Samoa coach who was relieved of his duties despite having been brought in to work with the team until the 2024 Olympics.

Speaking on the latest development, KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai noted that Bling and the team rightfully earned their contract extension.

The tactician led Shujaa to secure a direct spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics after they outclassed favorites South Africa 17-12 in the match played in Harare, Zimbabwe on September 17, 2023.

"This is a new year and a new dispensation. It was only fair that we extended their contract after they delivered what many thought impossible after the team had just been relegated from the World Series," Mutai offered.

The new outfit Shujaa has not tasted a loss since Bling and his team took over.

The team started on a high with the Africa Men's 7s victory.

Following that, Shujaa proved to be the kings of rugby when they dismantled Samurai Barracudas 19-0 in the Safari 7s final played at the RFUEA Grounds to retain their title.

Who is Kevin Wambua the new Kenya 7s coach?

They were looking to build upon their performance during the Dubai 7s International Invitation tournament that was slated for December 1-3, 2023, but they failed to travel due to what the union referred to as 'logistical challenges.'

The tournament was won by South Africa, a team that Shujaa overpowered in the past.

The tactician will be keen to take the team back to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series.

The national sevens rugby team was relegated from the Series following a 12-7 playoff final loss to Canada at Twickenham Stadium, London on May 21, 2023.

The defeat meant the Kenyans lost their status as a core team in international rugby’s elite sevens series for the first time in two decades.

The four-team relegation playoff — part of the HSBC London 7s, the 11th and final stop of the men's season — was a product of the World Series reducing the number of men's teams to 12 from 16 next season to align with the women's competition and the Olympic field.

They will compete in the Challenger series as they seek to reclaim their lost glory. The Challenger Series is slated for January 12-14 in Dubai, UAE.

Shujaa, Lionesses squads for Challenger Series assignment released

Shujaa squad to Dubai

Vincent Onyala (KCB, Co-Captain), Tony Omondi (Mwamba, Co-Captain), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), Samuel Asati (KCB), Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos), Festus Shiasi (KCB), William Mwanji (Kabras Sugar), George Ooro (Strathmore Leos), Patrick Odongo (Daystar Falcons), Brian Mutugi (Mwamba)

MANAGEMENT: Kevin Wambua (Head Coach), Louis Kisia (Assistant Coach), Andrew Amonde (Assistant Coach), Lamech Francis Bogonko (Physio), Steve Sewe (Team Manager)

SHUJAA

12 January 2024

Kenya v Mexico | 1314hrs EAT

Kenya v Uganda | 1758hrs EAT

13 January 2024

Kenya v Germany| 1259hrs EAT

Men's pools:

Pool A: Uruguay, Hong Kong China, Papua New Guinea, Georgia

Pool B: Japan, Tonga, Chile, Portugal

Pool C: Kenya, Germany, Uganda, Mexico