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Tony Omondi will feature at the Dubai 7s despite not being named in the Shujaa squad alongside Co-Captain Vincent Onyala for the tournament amid a contractual standoff with Kenya Rugby Union.
Former Kenya Sevens co-captain Tony Omondi has been drafted into the Shogun RFC squad for the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS Series at the Dubai 7s, scheduled for November 30 to December 1 at the Sevens Stadium.
This development follows Omondi's exclusion from the Shujaa squad due to unresolved contractual issues with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Omondi, along with fellow star Vincent Onyala, will sit out the first two legs of the global series as negotiations with the KRU remain unresolved. According to a source close to the situation, Omondi is open to a return to Shujaa should the contractual terms be agreed upon.
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15:09 - 22.11.2024
Shujaa coach Kevin Wambua clears the air over the futures of experienced co-captains Tony Omondi, Vincent Onyala
Shujaa head coach Kevin Wambua has provided a positive update over the futures of striking co-captains Tony Omondi & Vincent Onyala.
“If the window is still open as the coach says, he will definitely show up,” the source revealed.
Shujaa's Optimistic Outlook
The situation comes at a time when Shujaa recently received a financial boost through a multi-million-shilling partnership between the KRU and MPesa. This funding is expected to help address contractual issues, increasing the likelihood of both Omondi and Onyala rejoining the team.
“With the new deal, I think things should be okay,” the source added.
Shujaa head coach Kevin Wambua remains hopeful that the duo will be available from the third leg of the series.
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09:00 - 24.11.2024
Shujaa's George Ooro makes rallying call as stand-in co-captain ahead of HSBC SVNS World Series openers
George Ooro has been named stand-in co-captain alongside Samuel Asati for Kenya's first two legs of the 2024/2025 HSBC SVNS in the absence of Tony Omondi and Vincent Onyala.
“With regards to Tony and Onyala, we have been in constant communication. For them, it’s just contractual issues, something that we are talking about, and hopefully, by the time we come back and start the next block, everything will be sorted,” Wambua stated.
However, Wambua emphasized that their return depends not only on resolving contractual matters but also on the players meeting key performance indicators such as fitness and tactical readiness.
“And it’s not like they have been chased away by anybody. It’s just that they have not signed a contract and are not available for the first two legs. Even if they showed up, there are KPIs such as fitness which they have to meet since they have not been around for a while,” he explained.
While Omondi and Onyala’s absence presents a challenge, Wambua views it as a chance to strengthen the squad's depth.
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05:55 - 26.11.2024
Shujaa's Samuel Asati on what gives him hope ahead of tough group opponents at Dubai Sevens
Shujaa stand-in Co-captain Samuel Asati has weighed in on the tough challenge that awaits them at the Dubai Sevens this weekend as they prepare for World Series return.
“This is an opportunity to build depth since it is going to be a long season. We want to retain core status, and this gives us the chance to develop leadership and expose more players,” Wambua said.
He highlighted that most of the current squad members gained valuable experience during the 2024 Safari Sevens, where Shujaa defeated Shogun 12-0 in the final.
“At the end of the day, we know individual players bring individual qualities, but if you want to be at the top and stay at the top, it should be a system and it has to be a process,” he concluded.
Shogun RFC, coached by Sandile Ngcobo with assistant Marek Churcher, will aim to build on their impressive performance at the Safari Sevens, where they finished as runners-up to Shujaa. With Omondi in their ranks, they will look to make a strong statement in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Shujaa face a daunting task in Pool A, where they are set to clash with France, South Africa, and Australia. With new players stepping up, the team will need to prove their mettle as they fight to maintain their core status in the HSBC SVNS Series.
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