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Kevin Wambua has gone familiar by retaining most of the players that played for the side at the Paris 2024 Olympics, but added two to the ranks, including Gabriel Ayimba, son to the late legendary coach Benjamin.
Shujaa head coach Kevin 'Bling' Wambua has officially announced the team set to compete in the highly anticipated 2024 Safari Sevens tournament, scheduled to take place from Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13 at Machakos Stadium.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 National 7s Circuit, a 36-man preliminary squad was narrowed down to 26, with 12 players selected to represent Shujaa, while the remaining athletes will play for Morans.
Leading the Shujaa charge is Strathmore Leos' formidable forward, George Ooro. A fan favorite, Ooro has been instrumental in Shujaa’s resurgence, helping the team secure a return to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series, represent Kenya at the Olympics, and claim victory in the final leg of the National 7s Circuit at Prinsloo 7s after an electrifying performance.
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Joining Ooro is Brian Mutua of Kabras RFC, another key figure in Shujaa’s journey back to the HSBC stage after a year in the second tier.
Mutua will be accompanied by former teammate Kevin Wekesa, whose extensive rugby experience includes a recent stint with French side Monaco Rugby Sevens, where he competed in the 2024-2025 In Extenso Super Sevens.
Also flying the flag for Kabras is William Mwanji, a tall and dynamic player eager to cement his place in the national team.
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Dennis Abukuse of Menengai Oilers is another standout selection. Abukuse's stellar performances throughout the National 7s Circuit, including securing the season's third Impact Player award, made him an undeniable choice for the squad.
The talented Samuel Asati, KCB Rugby's scrum half, returns to the squad after missing the Prinsloo 7s, where his absence was keenly felt as his club failed to qualify for the quarterfinals. Benson Salem of Nondies RFC also made the cut, despite an injury-riddled season. He returned just in time to help his team reach the Prinsloo 7s final.
Mwamba RFC's Brian Mutugi has also been included, bringing with him the experience of last year’s successful Safari Sevens campaign.
This marks Mutugi’s second appearance in the squad after a strong showing in the 2023 National Sevens Circuit. Additionally, Patrick Odongo of Daystar University and Gabriel Ayimba, son of the legendary Kenya 7s coach Benjamin Ayimba, complete the roster. Ayimba has continued to impress fans and will be looking to lead Shujaa to glory.
Shujaa squad for Safari 7s:
1. George Ooro 2. Brian Mutua 3. Kevin Wekesa 4. William Mwanji 5. Dennis Abukuse 6. Samuel Asati 7. Benson Salem 8. Jackson Siketi 9. Nygel Amaitsa 10. Brian Mutugi 11.Patrick Odongo 12. Gabriel Ayimba
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