Shujaa out to prove their mettle against sevens heavyweights in Valladolid
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 29.05.26. | 09:27
The Kenyan side heads to Spain buoyed by a respectable seventh-place finish in the opening leg held in Hong Kong last month, where they showed glimpses of their growing potential against some of the world’s best teams
Kenya Sevens side Shujaa will have another opportunity to test themselves against the world’s elite when they compete in the second leg of the HSBC World Championship set for Friday, 29, to Sunday, 31 May, in Valladolid, Spain.
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The Kenyan side heads to Spain buoyed by a respectable seventh-place finish in the opening leg held in Hong Kong last month, where they showed glimpses of their growing potential against some of the world’s best teams.
Fresh from earning promotion through the HSBC SVNS 2 circuit, Shujaa were thrown into the deep end in Hong Kong after being drawn in a difficult pool alongside the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Kenyans lost both matches against the rugby powerhouses but responded impressively with a crucial victory over the USA to secure a place in the Cup quarterfinals.
In the last eight, Kenya came agonizingly close to upsetting South Africa before narrowly losing 26-22 in a fiercely contested encounter decided in the closing stages.
They would, however, finish the tournament on a high by beating France 21-7 in the seventh-place playoff.
The Valladolid assignment presents another stern examination.
Shujaa has been placed in Pool A together with South Africa, Australia, and Great Britain, setting up immediate opportunities for redemption against two sides that got the better of them in Hong Kong.
Kenya will particularly be keen to settle scores with South Africa after their heartbreaking quarterfinal defeat, while another clash against Australia offers a chance to measure the progress made since their pool-stage meeting in the opening leg.
The tournament will also provide a platform for exciting young talent Victor Mola, who is in line to make his long-awaited national team debut.
The highly rated youngster has been included in the traveling squad as the technical bench looks to inject fresh energy into the side.
Shujaa will be jointly captained by experienced campaigners George Ooro and Samuel Asati, who are expected to guide the youthful squad through a challenging pool.
Other players expected to play key roles include Kevin Wekesa, Dennis Abukuse, Brian Tanga, Nygel Amaitsa, Festus Shiasi, Chrissant Ojwang, John Okoth, and Patrick Odongo.
Shujaa will begin their Pool A campaign against Australia on Friday at 1:12 PM (EAT) before taking on South Africa later the same day at 6:08 PM (EAT).
Their final pool match will see them face Great Britain on Saturday at 2:01 PM (EAT).
Shujaa Fixtures (EAT)
Australia vs Kenya – May 29, 1:12 PM
South Africa vs Kenya – May 29, 6:08 PM
Kenya vs Great Britain – May 30, 2:01 PM