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Wambua has credited two big factors behind Kenya 7's return to the World Circuit at the first time of asking.
Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua, the head coach of Kenya’s national men’s rugby 7s team, Shujaa, attributes their successful return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series to divine guidance.
Since taking over the team in September last year, Wambua has led a remarkable resurgence, culminating in a triumphant performance in Madrid.
“Everything goes back to Him…I give the glory back to God. I worked hard but without God…without His leadership, we wouldn’t be here so I give thanks to God. I thank Him for giving me this talent and the opportunity to coach such a wonderful team,” Wambua said as quoted on Capital Sport.
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10:07 - 03.06.2024
Shujaa: What next after securing World Sevens Series return?
Kenya Sevens achieved their main target of earning an immediate return to the World Sevens Series but there is still much more to conquer this year.
Under Wambua’s leadership, Shujaa secured a 33-15 victory over Germany in their playoff promotion quarterfinal tie in Madrid, marking one of the best days in recent Kenyan rugby history.
This win sealed their return to core status in the World Rugby 7s, following last year’s relegation after a narrow 12-5 defeat to Canada at the London Sevens.
The journey back has been one of rebuilding and perseverance. Alongside former Strathmore Leos coach Louis ‘Fadhee’ Kisia, Wambua was tasked with reviving Shujaa from their setback.
Their efforts bore fruit when Shujaa beat South Africa 17-12 at the Rugby Africa Cup in Harare, Zimbabwe, earning qualification for the Paris Olympics.
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19:30 - 02.06.2024
Shujaa spear Germany to reclaim World Sevens Series core status
Kenya Sevens returned to the World Series following a win over Germany in a tense playoff match in Madrid.
With Olympics qualification in the bag, Shujaa went on to clinch the reintroduced Safari Sevens on home soil, all while keeping their sights on the World Rugby Challenger Series.
January ended on a high note with a victory over Chile, 12-5, in Dubai, securing the first leg of the Challenger Series.
The following legs saw continued success with a third-place finish in Montevideo, Uruguay, after a 31-12 win over Chile, and a fifth-place finish in Munich, Germany. Throughout this journey, Kenyan fans played a crucial role, offering relentless support and motivation.
“The fans gave us motivation and that extra drive when we were under pressure. That was fantastic and we thank all the fans who came out to support the team. This one is for them,” Wambua acknowledged.
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19:00 - 31.05.2024
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series: CS Ababu sends Shujaa motivational message ahead of make-or-break Madrid playoff
Namwamba has sent Kenya 7s a motivational message ahead of the upcoming Madrid playoff tournament, which could see the side return to the world circuit at the first time of asking.
Shujaa will return to Kenya on Tuesday morning, expecting a warm reception at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Their focus will then shift to the Paris Olympics in July, where they aim to continue their inspiring journey.
Wambua’s story is not just one of hard work and strategy but also one of faith and gratitude. His leadership has not only restored Shujaa’s status on the international stage but also reignited hope and pride among Kenyan rugby fans.
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