SVNS 2: Shujaa, Lionesses eye Montevideo response as promotion race heats up

Kenya sevens national team sides head into the second leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 in Montevideo, Uruguay with one clear objective of reviving their promotion push, and keeping the dream of returning to the top tier alive.

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Set for Saturday 21 to Monday 23 March at the Estadio Charrúa, the tournament marks a crucial juncture in the three-leg series, with only São Paulo left after this weekend.

Kenya hosted the opening leg at the Nyayo National Stadium in February, where both Shujaa and Kenya Lionesses showed flashes of promise, but ultimately fell short of dominance.

Where and when to watch Kenya Sevens as Shujaa, Lionesses chase Montevideo glory

Shujaa chasing redemption

Shujaa’s campaign in Nairobi was a tale of two halves; dominant in the early rounds, but falling at the final hurdle. They went unbeaten against Canada, Belgium, Uruguay, and Germany, only to suffer a 21-5 defeat to USA in the final, finishing third overall with 16 points.

Head coach Kevin Wambua has already made his intentions clear heading into Montevideo, insisting the team’s focus is firmly on correcting their mistakes, and finishing the job this time.

“We’ve ramped up our preparations, and the focus is on fixing the small details that cost us in Nairobi. The goal is clear: get back to HSBC SVNS 1,” Wambua said.

Kevin Wambua outlines Kenya Sevens' goals ahead of Montevideo and Sao Paulo legs

That mission begins with an immediate test, a rematch against the USA, the very side that denied them gold on home soil. The encounter is expected to set the tone for Shujaa’s campaign, as they also prepare to face Canada, Belgium, Germany, and hosts Uruguay over the weekend.

Their campaign begins with a high-stakes rematch against the USA on Saturday, 21 March at 6:32 pm EAT. They will then face Canada at 9:20 pm, before wrapping up day one against Belgium at 12:08 am (Sunday).

Shujaa return to action on Sunday night against Germany at 9:55 pm, before concluding their fixtures against hosts Uruguay at 12:48 am on Monday.

Lionesses out to rewrite story

For the Kenya Lionesses, Montevideo offers a chance to reset after a difficult start to the series.

The team managed just one win in Nairobi, a narrow victory over Brazil, while falling to China, South Africa, Spain, and Argentina to finish fifth with 12 points.

Head coach Simon Odongo acknowledged the shortcomings in their opening leg and emphasized the need for a sharper, more consistent performance.

Lionesses head coach outlines areas of improvement heading to HSBC SVNS 2

“We know we didn’t perform to our potential at home. There’s a lot to improve, especially in decision-making and finishing. The players understand what’s at stake now,” Odongo said.

The Lionesses will open their Montevideo campaign against China before taking on Argentina and Spain, with South Africa and Brazil awaiting on the final day.

With limited room for error, every match carries added weight for a side desperate to climb the standings.

Germany’s men and Uruguay’s women lead the standings after the opening leg with 20 points each, while the USA sit second in the men’s standings with 18 points, just ahead of Shujaa.