The Kenya 7s technical bench has unveiled the Shujaa squad for the opening leg of the HSBC World Championship in Hong Kong, scheduled for April 17–19, 2026.
Head coach Kevin “Bling” Wambua has largely retained the squad that finished runners-up in SVNS 2, making only one change.
Kabras Sugar RFC scrum-half Brian Tanga replaces Chrisant Ojwang, who has been ruled out of the tournament by a hamstring injury.
Tanga made his Shujaa debut at the 2016 Hong Kong 7s and will add much-needed experience to the team as they battle to return to the main stage.
Coach Wambua emphasised the importance of Tanga’s inclusion, saying, “He brings a lot of experience to the side and is the kind of player you want in tight games. His understanding of the game is top-notch and we expect him to add immeasurable impact to the team.”
Sponsors SportPesa, who invested Sh40 million in supporting Shujaa through the SVNS 2 campaign, also awarded the team a Sh3.15 million performance bonus, earned through strong performances in Nairobi, Montevideo, and São Paulo.
KCB RFC, the reigning National Sevens Circuit champions, dominate the squad with six players, including co-captains George “Japolo” Ooro and Samuel Asati, alongside Vincent Onyala, Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wabwire, and David Nyangige.
Kabras Sugar contributes Brian Tanga and Kevin Wekesa, who recently won the IOC Climate Action Award 2025. Menengai Oilers’ Denis Abukuse and John Okoth also feature, two gritty forwards who were central to Kenya’s defensive shutout in a decisive game against Canada in São Paulo.
The squad is further strengthened by kicker Nigel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos); Gabriel Ayimba, son of legendary Shujaa player and coach Benjamin Ayimba; and speedster Patrick Odongo (Daystar Falcons).
Co-captain Samuel Asati said the team is focused on delivering strong performances, especially in their opener against Australia, to secure a top-eight finish.
“We all know what’s at stake and we will have to up our game. Focus is on the opener against Australia, where we need a great performance to give us a strong foundation towards securing a top 8 finish, which is our bare minimum,” he said.
Shujaa, who will depart on Sunday, April 12, have been drawn in Pool C alongside Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, who beat them to the SVNS 2 crown.
Sport Pesa CEO Ronald Karauri expressed confidence in the team, saying the players carry national pride and deserve full support.
“We are proud to sponsor Shujaa. This team represents national pride and we know you belong in HSBC SVNS 1. When you put on that jersey, you carry the hopes of millions of Kenyans and you should feel fully supported by us and the entire country.
My background is in sports and I understand what it takes to represent the national team. That is why we remain committed to rewarding talent and supporting the team on its journey. Go out there, compete, and know that we are firmly behind you.”
In Hong Kong, Shujaa has been drawn into a group that reads like a who’s who of sevens royalty.
They face Australia, New Zealand, and the USA at the newly built Kai Tak Sports Stadium.
The clash with the USA will be particularly spicy. In Sao Paulo, Shujaa exacted sweet revenge with a dominant 31–14 victory over the Eagles after a series of near misses. Against Australia and New Zealand, Shujaa will need to be clinical and composed, drawing on everything they have learnt across three legs of hard-earned SVNS 2 Rugby.
Kenya must finish inside the top eight of the 12 World Championship teams across Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux to earn promotion back to HSBC SVNS 1 for 2027.
By Ian Chepkuto
