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Kenya 7s are in Pool B alongside 2024 World Sevens circuit winners Argentina, Australia and Samoa for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic games.
As the Paris 2024 Rugby Sevens Olympic Games approach, Shujaa head coach Kevin Wambua has provided an in-depth analysis of Pool B, where Kenya has been drawn alongside Samoa, Australia, and reigning HSBC Sevens Circuit champions, Argentina.
The games, scheduled to take place from July 24-20, promise high-stakes competition for all participating teams.
Kenya's Sevens Rugby team, known as Shujaa, has faced challenges in previous Olympic outings. At the Rio Olympics, the national side finished in 11th position with just one win.
The Tokyo Olympics saw another disappointing performance as Kenya failed to advance past the group stages. However, the team has undergone significant changes since then, leading to their requalification for the Olympics under Wambua's guidance.
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18:05 - 09.07.2024
Kenya Sevens arrive in Miramas for final Paris Olympics preparations
Shujaa have arrived in Team Kenya’s pre-Olympics camp in Miramas to begin their final training for the Paris Games with sevens rugby starting two days before opening ceremony.
The journey back to Olympic contention was marked by Shujaa's exit from the HSBC Sevens series and their subsequent dramatic return. A new roster of players has risen to the occasion, culminating in a stunning victory over South Africa in the Africa qualifiers, securing their spot in Paris.
After weeks of intensive training in Kenya, Shujaa is now in Miramas, France, fine-tuning their preparations ahead of their first match against Argentina on July 24.
Coach Kevin Wambua has shared his insights and strategies for the upcoming games, emphasizing the formidable competition they face.
“Top 12 teams in the world. No easy feat. Highest level of competition. We face Argentina, who are the circuit winners, Australia who we have faced a couple of times and Samoa who we beat in the promotion/relegation clash in Madrid,” Wambua stated shortly before the team flew out to Miramas.
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12:12 - 08.07.2024
Paris 2024 Olympics: Kenya 7s legend Andrew Amonde reveals special quality about the current side his generation lacked
Amonde has revealed why the current crop of Kenya 7s players will dominate at the Olympic games in Paris.
Wambua's strategy is clear and focused. “Our approach is simple. One game at a time. We have adopted it all season and we are not going to change it. It is a matter of belief. We have worked hard to be here.”
Facing Argentina first, Wambua underscores the importance of treating each match with utmost seriousness.
“We will face Argentina first and we have to treat that first game as a final. We know that to win a medal, you need to play five finals, so for us, every game will be a final. The boys have worked hard in terms of fitness with Andrew, and the technical bench has also done its bit.”
As Shujaa steps onto the global stage once more, the team's determination and preparation are evident. Wambua's confidence in his players is unwavering. “Now it is up to us to go and get a medal.”
With the stakes higher than ever, Kenya's Sevens team is poised to make a significant impact in Paris, driven by their resilient spirit and meticulous preparation.
Fans and supporters are eagerly anticipating a thrilling display of rugby prowess as Shujaa aims to conquer Pool B and beyond.
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09:12 - 05.07.2024
From rejection for being 'too small' to becoming an Olympian - The inspirational story of Kenya Sevens' George Ooro
How George 'Japolo' Ooro went from being rejected for being 'too small' to now being a key part of Shujaa in their quest to achieve Olympic glory.
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