Former Kenya Sevens captain Humphrey Kayange has urged Shujaa to make full use of home advantage when the opening leg of the HSBC Sevens Division Two series comes to Nairobi, saying the moment is perfectly poised for Kenya to begin their campaign with authority.
The Nairobi leg, set for 14–15 February, will launch the Division Two tier of the newly restructured global sevens circuit. Kenya has been handed the honour of hosting the inaugural stop of the three-leg series, with Brazil and Uruguay scheduled to stage the remaining rounds.
The two-day event will feature high-intensity action in both the men’s and women’s competitions. In the men’s category, Shujaa will take on USA, Uruguay and Germany as they push to reclaim their place among the world’s top sevens sides.
Kayange, the distinguished former international and World Rugby Hall of Famer, emphasised the significance of the occasion. “This is a special moment for Kenya to host an SVNS 2 leg in Nairobi,” he said.
“Having players of this calibre competing here is something we have dreamt about for many years. What a platform this will be for our boys to perform in front of the fans who have been the heartbeat of Kenya Sevens for decades.” Shujaa were relegated to Division Two after finishing ninth overall on 36 points in the 2024/25 campaign, missing out on a top-eight place.
With the 2025/26 season approaching, Kenya has unveiled a 25-man squad that has begun preparations for the Nairobi opener. Key names include KCB trio Vincent Onyala, George Ooro and Elvis Olukusi; Menengai Oilers’ Denis Abukuse; Kabras Sugar’s imposing Kevin Wekesa; Daystar’s electric Patrick Odongo; and Strathmore Leos speedster Nygel Pettersan.
Kayange urged the group to embrace the moment and draw strength from the home atmosphere.
“This is more than just a tournament. It reflects the vision we have carried for years — to host a World Series event and compete on home soil. This will build confidence, visibility, and belief,” he said.
He also delivered a heartfelt message to Kenya’s loyal rugby supporters
“To our fans, your passion has always lifted our teams on the global stage,” he said. “Hosting this event is a chance to show the world, once again, what the Kenyan rugby spirit looks and feels like. I can’t wait for next year, and I look forward to celebrating this moment with everyone and inspiring the next generation.”
by TEDDY MULEI
