)
Shujaa will be seeking for another tournament victory in Uruguay, while the Lionesses will me hoping they can build on from their second place finish in Dubai in their quest to return to the World Series.
Shujaa will be aiming to pick up where they left off in Dubai when they kick off their 2024 HSBC Challenger Series campaign with a first-ever match-up against Portugal from 9:01 PM in Pool A.
The Kenya Sevens managed to win the first challenger in Dubai by nonchalantly tossing away almost every team barring Germany to clinch the title, surpassing their initial target of getting at least the top four in the tournament.
While the top four is still the aim, the Kenyans will feel that the sky's the limit heading into the tournament, which will enable them to want to do even better at the tournament.
Head coach Kevin Wambua made five changes to the team that won in Dubai, with key players such as speedster Patrick Odongo missing through injury.
)
18:43 - 07.03.2024
RUGBY 'We are ready for the task'- Shujaa captain exudes confidence ahead of Uruguay Challenger series
Shujaa captain Vincent Onyala has promised that the team will not fail their fans as they seek to impress in the second leg of the Challenger Series in Uruguay.
Wambua brought back Ben Salem of Nondies and Dennis Abukuse to the setup, while Chrisant Ojwang, Lamec Ambetsa and Elvis Olokusi have been handed their maiden call-ups.
Odongo, the top scorer with 11 tries in Dubai, has been ruled out through injury, with reserve scrum-half Brian Tanga also missing out through illness.
Festus Shiasi, William Mwanji, and Brian Mutugi were the other three players dropped from the main squad.
Co-captain Vincent Onyala has expressed optimism that the side have the capability to go all the way and claim another glorious title in Montevideo.
)
06:00 - 07.03.2024
CHALLENGER SERIES Tony Omondi analyses Pool A of Uruguay challenger, explains how Shujaa will manouvre opponents
Shujaa will face Georgia, Tonga and Portugal in Uruguay.
“It is a good feeling having had a stellar performance in the first round in Dubai and we hope to do the same here in Montevideo,” Onyala said.
“We know our fans are out there watching and we are up to the task, we are not going to disappoint you. We will keep going and ultimately we are hopeful to get a podium place at the Olympics.”
Holding the pole position with 20 points, Kenya has a slender lead over Chile, setting up a thrilling contest in Montevideo as they aim to extend their advantage and fortify their dominance in the series.
For Lionesses, the losing finalists in Dubai are drawn together with Belgium, Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong China in pool B.
)
06:00 - 05.03.2024
RUGBY Shujaa's Samuel Asati sends motivating message to upcoming players after 10 years of development
The KCB scrum half has represented Kenya from the U16 level all the way to both 15s and sevens senior teams over a 10-year period
They will play their first match against Hong Kong at 6:36 PM before playing Papua New Guinea at 10.26 PM. They will then wind up their group campaign against Belgium at 6:21 PM on Saturday. Their second place was roared on by a joyous and vociferous ‘Kenya Corner’.
They, too, exacted revenge for a solitary pool loss with a thrilling quarter-final win over Czechia, but saved their best for the semi-finals when they dispatched the impressive Argentina.
The final proved a game too far, but the Lionesses head to Uruguay purring, knowing they also have some big names to return.
Head coach Dennis Mwanja emphasised the significance of the challenger series, noting that it serves as a crucial precursor to the final Olympic qualifiers and an opportunity to qualify for the World Sevens Series.
“The challenger Series means so much to us because it is a precursor to the final showdown for the Olympic qualifiers as well as having a shot at qualifying for the World Series," said Mwanja.
“For us, it is also an opportunity to get alot of valuable exposure and also to be able to enjoy the game of rugby on and off the pitch.
“For the girls, it is a great learning experience because most of them have been watching Shujaa travel around the world and envying and desiring but our hard work has also given us a spot to be able to also travel and play with different nations.”
Follow our Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)