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It was a year of several highs for Kenya 7s, such as sealing back qualification to the HSBC Sevens World Series, but also a few lows.
Kenya’s national rugby sevens side, Shujaa, enjoyed a stellar 2024, a year that reignited hope and pride in the country’s rugby scene.
From marking their return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series to competing at the Olympic Games, Shujaa demonstrated resilience, talent, and the ability to overcome adversity.
With new captains at the helm and increased sponsorship providing crucial support, the team navigated a transformative season that left fans optimistic for the future.
As Shujaa continues their journey to solidify their core status, Pulse Sports looks back at the highs, lows, and everything in between during this remarkable year.
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15:47 - 27.11.2024
Explained: Why Tony Omondi will suit up for Shogun rugby instead of Shujaa at Dubai 7s
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.
Best moment
Without a doubt, the highlight of 2024 was Shujaa’s triumphant return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. Their 33-15 victory over Germany in the promotion qualifier playoff in Madrid on June 2 marked a significant turnaround after spending 378 days in the cold. This promotion brought an end to their absence from the prestigious series, which began in May 2023 following a narrow 12-7 loss to Canada in the relegation playoff final at the London Sevens.
Their relegation had been a historic low for Shujaa, marking the first time in 23 years that Kenya missed out on the World Series. With World Rugby’s new 12-team format, even an invitational slot was out of reach. However, the team’s resilience shone through as they embarked on a journey of redemption, culminating in their victory over Germany.
Since their return to the top flight, Shujaa have already participated in two legs of the series—the first in Dubai in November and the second at the Cape Town Sevens in December, where they reached the main cup quarterfinals.
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16:40 - 25.11.2024
Boost for Kenya 7s as they land lucrative two-year partnership with mobile banking network ahead of world series return
The partnership will see both the men and women's Kenya 7s side benefit from the lucrative 90 million shilling deal to boost them as they prepare for the new World Sevens Series & Challenger seasons respectively.
Worst moment
While 2024 was largely a positive year for Shujaa under head coach Kevin “Bling” Wambua, one unfortunate moment stands out. Former co-captains Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi refused to accept the contracts offered to them for the 2024/25 HSBC Sevens Series, leading to their absence from the first two legs.
In their stead, Samuel Asati and George Ooro stepped up as the new co-captains. Despite their contributions in the past, Onyala and Omondi’s contractual issues remain unresolved. Coach Wambua expressed hope that the duo would return, stating, “For them, it is just a contractual issue, something we are talking about. Hopefully, by the time we come back (from Dubai and Cape Town 7s), everything will be sorted.” However, sources suggest the parties have not been in consistent communication.
Despite this setback, Shujaa’s sponsorship package, worth over Ksh100 million from SportPesa and M-Pesa, has helped cushion the team’s financial costs.
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07:07 - 11.10.2024
Shujaa speedstar Patrick Odongo reveals Olympic inspiration for Safari Sevens glory
Patrick Odongo is looking to use the expereince of the Olympics to carry Shujaa to glory at the Safari Sevens.
Best Games
Several games from 2024 stand out, but four deserve special mention:
The 33-15 win over Germany in the grand final of the promotion playoff.
The victory over Chile in the final of the Dubai Challenger last January, a closely contested battle that showcased Shujaa’s fighting spirit.
The narrow 10-5 win over Samoa in the ninth-place final of the Paris 2024 Olympics, a crucial match that underscored their grit.
The dramatic win over South Africa in Dubai last December, where Nygel Amaitsa’s last-ditch try after the hooter secured a vital three points. Shujaa had led 17-0 in the first half before sloppy defending allowed South Africa back into the game, but Amaitsa’s clutch performance sealed the victory. This marked Kenya’s first win in a top-flight sevens match in 18 months.
Best player
While Patrick Odongo’s blistering pace made him a standout performer, the title of Player of the Year goes to John Okoth. The powerful center shone during the Paris Olympics, scoring both tries in the 10-5 win over Samoa to secure ninth place. His contributions in the Challenger Series and the Olympics demonstrated his immense value to the team.
Unfortunately, Okoth is currently nursing an Achilles injury, which has ruled him out of the opening two legs of the 2024/25 series. Nonetheless, fans eagerly await his return.
Did that really happen?
Shujaa clinched their third consecutive Safari Sevens title with a 12-0 victory over Shogun Rugby in a tightly contested final on October 13. The match, held at the Machakos Stadium, was historic as it marked the first time the tournament took place outside Nairobi. Financial disagreements between the Kenya Rugby Union and RFUEA Grounds handlers necessitated the change in venue.
This victory added to Shujaa’s Safari Sevens titles from 2021 and 2023, making them the first team to complete a treble since 2008-2010.
Player to watch for 2025
While several players have showed promise, Nygel Amaitsa stands out as one to watch. His clutch performances and ability to rise to the occasion make him a key player for Shujaa’s future endeavors.
A wish for 2025
The ultimate wish for 2025 is simple: Kenya regains its core status and wins at least one leg of the series. Based on their promising performances in Dubai and Cape Town, this dream seems well within reach.
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