‘Give everything’: Kenya make two changes with World Series promotion in view

Kenya are set for one of the most important fortnights in their rugby history in Spain and France, as they look to try and build on Hong Kong and earn qualification for the 2026-27 HSBC SVNS World Series.

Shujaa head coach Kelvin Wambua named the squad late last week who will travel to Valladolid and Bordeaux over the next two weeks of action, with two new changes set to join the side.

Gabriel Ayimba and Floyd Wabwire will drop out of the side, with Victor Odhiambo Mola earning his first call-up to the senior national squad having impressed in the National Sevens Circuit program.

Wambua will also welcome back Chrissant Onjwang, who impressed in SVNS 2 but missed Hong Kong through injury, with Patrick Odongo cleared to play after missing the finals in the Fragrant Harbour.

The returns come at a good time for Kenya, with the side determined to become the second African side to make it into the top league of sevens rugby, further building momentum for the shorter format of the game on the continent.

Such a move would prove appropriate timing, following news last week from the Confederation of African Rugby that plans are underway to create a new three-leg sevens series, featuring nine African national sevens sides. 

The Shujaa finished inside the top eight in Hong Kong, being handed a difficult pool draw and sustaining losses to Australia and New Zealand, before bouncing back to defeat fellow SVNS 2 qualifying side the United States.

Their most impressive performances came in finals, however, the side pushing eventual champions the Blitzboks all the way in the quarterfinal before going down 26-22, before overcoming France 21-7 to finish in seventh.

With the Kenyans and Uruguayans currently right in the mix to overtake incumbent World Series side Great Britain, Wambua is hoping the new inclusion of players and a strong preparation will deliver results over the next two weeks.

“We have had a very good 10-day camp at Kasarani, focusing heavily on attack, defence, speed and situation awareness,” Wambua told The Standard on Friday.

“We’ve analysed our performances, especially moments like the South Africa quarterfinal loss in Hong Kong, and worked on improving our decision-making in key moments.

“The boys now have better clarity and understanding of the opponents we’ll face, and we believe we are better prepared.

“Injury kept Mola out of SVNS 2, but we are happy to have him now. He is agile, quick, and can give the team the X factor.”

George Ooro and Samuel Asati are set to co-captain the side across the Spain and France legs, with both players making it clear that they will be letting their rugby do the talking over the next fortnight.

“We’ve had enough transition time from Hong Kong into these final two legs,” Asati said.

“The team is growing together well, and everyone understands what is required.”

“We’re going to man up and give everything for the badge,” Ooro told Capital FM on Monday morning.

“We will not talk much until after France but we want to promise you that we will man up in the two legs.”

The Shujaa will kick off their campaign with a similarly difficult pool stage, as they face off against Australia in their Pool A opener on Friday, followed by a critical African derby against defending champions and current table leaders, the Blitzboks, in the evening.

They will then play on Saturday afternoon against Great Britain, the result between the two sides likely a critical fixture as to whether either team will be part of the World Series regular season next year.