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Shujaa head coach Kevin Wambua has provided a positive update over the futures of striking co-captains Tony Omondi & Vincent Onyala.
The Kenya National Sevens team head coach, Kevin "Bling" Wambua, has addressed the absence of co-captains Tony Omondi and Vincent Onyala from the squad set to compete in the opening two legs of the 2024/25 HSBC SVNS World Series.
Wambua revealed that contractual issues were the primary reason for their omission but emphasised that both players remain integral to his plans.
Wambua unveiled a 13-man squad to represent Kenya in Dubai, marking Shujaa’s much-anticipated return to the world stage after securing their core status earlier this year. The Dubai Sevens, scheduled for 30 November to 1 December, will be followed immediately by the Cape Town leg.
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13:27 - 21.11.2024
Striking Shujaa stars missing as Wambua exudes confidence in youngsters to deliver in Dubai & Cape Town
Kenya Sevens coach Kevin Wambua is confident his young guns will achieve the desired results in Dubai and Cape Town after some of his big stars were dropped from the squad.
The squad features seasoned Olympians Samuel Asati and George Ooro as stand-in co-captains. Both players were pivotal during Kenya’s Safari Sevens campaign, with Wambua expressing full confidence in their leadership abilities.
“The two able gentlemen that led the team during Safari Sevens are once again tasked to lead the team in these two legs,” he said.
Notable inclusions in the squad are Kelvin Wekesa, William Mwanji, and Brian Mutua, while Olympians Chrisant Ojwang, Nygel Amaitsa, and Patrick Odongo bring a blend of experience and explosive pace. Brayan Ondego, a fresh addition to the team, will make his debut in Dubai.
Omondi and Onyala, both instrumental in Kenya’s previous successes, were not part of the squad’s preparations due to their decision to hold off on signing new contracts. However, Wambua reassured fans that discussions are ongoing and expressed optimism about resolving the matter soon.
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19:02 - 18.11.2024
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“I have been in constant contact with them even as recently as this week. For them, it is just a contractual issue and something we are in discussions on,” Wambua explained.
“Hopefully, by the time we come back and start the next block, everything will be sorted. It is not that they have been chased away or anything; it is just that they are not available for these first two legs.”
Even if Omondi and Onyala return, Wambua noted that they would need to meet strict performance benchmarks to secure their spots for the third and fourth legs in 2025.
“Even if they were available, they still would have to meet some KPIs in terms of fitness and more. Since they have not been around for some time, it will be a great opportunity to build depth,” Wambua said.
Wambua sees this transitional phase as a chance to groom new leaders and expand the talent pool in preparation for the demanding season ahead.
“Hopefully, by the time we come back and start the next block, everything will be sorted. It is not that they have been chased away or anything; it is just that they are not available for these first two legs.”
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18:00 - 16.11.2024
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“It will be a very long season and an important one because our goal is to retain our core status. So it is a good opportunity to build depth in terms of leadership and exposing more players,” he added.
While acknowledging the unique qualities of individual players, Wambua reiterated his belief in the team’s system-oriented approach.
“Three quarters of the squad at Safari Sevens were part of Morans and Shujaa, so it is all about trusting the system and continuing to work the way we have been,” he stated.“For us to remain at the top, it is all about the system.”
As Kenya gears up for the Dubai and Cape Town legs, Wambua’s selections reflect a delicate balance between experience and youth. The inclusion of players like Asati and Ooro, despite their limited HSBC SVNS experience, underscores a commitment to nurturing emerging talent while ensuring the team remains competitive on the global stage.
With negotiations ongoing for Omondi and Onyala’s return, Shujaa’s quest to solidify their core status is set to be a defining narrative of the 2024/25 season.
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