Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses will open their campaigns against Canada and Brazil, respectively, when the World Sevens Series Division Two tournament kicks off at Nyayo National Stadium on February 14.
Shujaa, coached by Kevin Wambua, face a demanding pool campaign that begins against Canada before clashes with Belgium and Germany on the opening day.
The men’s side will then take on Uruguay and the USA on Day Two as they chase a place in the semifinals and final. The Kenya Lionesses, meanwhile, will begin their home campaign against Brazil before facing China and South Africa on the opening day.
On the final day, the women will test themselves against Argentina and Spain in what promises to be a stern examination against some of the world’s top sides.
In preparation for the tournament, Shujaa held a one-week intensive training camp in Cape Town, South Africa, where they played several top South African provincial teams in high-level training matches.
The Lionesses are currently in Alicante, Spain, for a high-performance training camp and are scheduled to face hosts Spain and Belgium as part of their build-up to the Nyayo showdown.
Interim head coach Simon Odongo said the matches in Spain have provided valuable lessons as the team sharpens up ahead of the season opener on home soil.
“The games against Spain have been an eye-opener and a big test for the players ahead of the tournament at Nyayo. The girls have settled well into the environment here, and the training matches have been very intense and physical,” Odongo said.
Odongo admitted that attacking efficiency remains a key area of focus after the Lionesses fell short in the Africa Cup Sevens final, where they lost 22–0 to South Africa at the RFUEA Grounds.
“We came up short in the final, and over the last six to eight weeks we’ve been working on how to be more clinical and patient with the ball, especially when we get into the red zone,” he noted.
Despite the challenges ahead, Odongo is confident the team will rise to the occasion in front of home fans. “We are relishing the battle and looking forward to facing some of the top teams in the world. I urge the fans to turn up in big numbers and support the girls,” he added.
Away from the pitch, the tournament received a significant boost after Crown Paints announced a Sh2 million sponsorship. Speaking during the launch, Crown Paints Chief Operations Officer Richard Muturi said the partnership had been built steadily over the past year.
“This journey began a year ago, and it has been a very positive one. We are excited and honoured to be part of Kenya hosting the inaugural leg of the HSBC SVNS2,” Muturi said.
Kenya Rugby Union chairperson Harriet Okach welcomed Crown Paints back on board, describing the renewed backing as a vote of confidence and a sign of long-term commitment to the growth of Kenyan rugby.
by WILLIAM NJUGUNA
