Kenya sevens winger Patrick Odongo in action against USA at a recent tournament/HANDOUT Shujaa coach Kevin Wambua says he is relishing the challenge of having his side tested by quality opposition when the Safari Sevens kicks off at Nyayo Stadium on Friday.
Wambua believes Kenya’s competitive preparations have put the defending champions in good shape to begin their title defence against South Africa’s SportPesa Forwards Legends as they target a fourth consecutive Safari Sevens crown.
“We have had a decent and competitive training phase. Now it is a matter of going to express ourselves, playing to our strengths and building a platform for the rest of the season,” said Wambua.
The former Mwamba RFC tactician has also handed opportunities to Elvis Olukusi, Rayvone Ambale and Glacious Owino following their impressive displays as Kenya reclaimed the Africa Cup title in Mauritius last weekend.
“The three were excellent in the Africa Cup last weekend in Mauritius. We want to throw them into the deep end and see how they perform,” Wambua said.
After their opening assignment against SportPesa Forwards Legends, Shujaa will face their biggest Pool A examination when they take on Scotland at 12:37 pm on Saturday.
Wambua expects the Scots, who were a core side at the World Rugby Sevens Series two years ago, to provide the kind of challenge Kenya needs.
“We have played them before, and they bring physicality and an expansive game. As a coach, I am delighted that we are going to be tested accordingly by the teams coming to this tournament,” he said.
Shujaa will conclude their pool campaign against neighbours Uganda at 5:13 pm on Saturday in another potentially intense East African derby. Uganda will arrive determined to bounce back from their 26-19 defeat by Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup final in Kampala, a result that denied them qualification for the HSBC Sevens Series.
“Matches between us are always competitive, and it is a derby, so we know they will want to prove a point. We must be wary of the threat they bring,” said Wambua. Kenya Morans will open their Pool C campaign against GEL Squad Sevens at 4:28 pm on Friday before facing Wonder 7s at 10:57 am on Saturday.
They will complete their pool matches against Zimbabwe at 4:23 pm. Pool B features last year’s runners-up Shogun, Wellington Jaguars, French Renegades and Southern California Nomads. In the women’s competition, the Kenya Lionesses will face the Junior Lionesses on Friday, while the Kenya Cubs take on Tunisia.
