Wambua reveals Shujaa's target ahead of Dubai Challenger event

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RUGBY Wambua reveals Shujaa's target ahead of Dubai Challenger event

Mark Kinyanjui 20:32 - 10.01.2024

Wambua has revealed how he will get Shujaa to return to the big time of World Sevens Rugby as the side begins its campaign to do so in Dubai.

Shujaa head coach Kevin 'Bling' Wambua has revealed his strategic plan for the side if they are to stand a chance of winning back promotion to the World Series at the first time of asking as they prepare for the opening Dubai Challenger this weekend.

Shujaa landed safely in Dubai and have already commenced training as they prepare to take on Mexico in their first game, before later taking on Uganda in their second game this Friday.

Wambua believes his side’s target is “clear” as the side takes on the first of a four-leg series in the quest to get back into the rugby sevens big time.

“To establish ourselves early on and maintain a competitive edge throughout the series,” Wambua stated.

“As we approach the competition, our focus is on taking each game as it comes, with the ultimate goal of securing a podium position.

Wambua is adamant that the spirits within the camp will motivate the boys to produce a good outing out in Dubai.

“The competitive atmosphere within the squad has proven to be both robust and constructive, pushing each team member to bring their best to the forefront and contributing to an overall improvement in team dynamics. 

“Given that the Challenger series consists of four legs, a strong start in the first leg is pivotal. This not only builds confidence within the team but also alleviates pressure for subsequent tournaments.”

Shujaa took part in a three-day training camp in Turi in Elburgon, Nakuru before jetting off to the United Arab Emirates, and the technical team has now explained the strategic reason behind the choice of camp.

“The recent three-day camp at Turi was instrumental in further elevating our preparedness. The choice of Turi was strategic, taking advantage of the high-altitude weather to better acclimate ourselves for the upcoming tournament in Dubai.

“ Our training sessions leading up to the Christmas break were highly productive, emphasizing skill enhancement and the development of effective attack and defense strategies,” Wambua said.

“ Despite a setback in early December when we were unable to participate in the Dubai event, we utilized internal games to refine our performance based on the valuable insights gained from the Safari 7s evaluation.

The Challenger Series provides a crucial promotion pathway to the HSBC Sevens 2025. 

The top four men's and women's teams from the Challenger Series will earn their place in the new promotion and relegation play-off competition at the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid.

The format mirrors that of the Olympic Games, with 12-team men's and women's competitions.

The 2024 edition of the Challenger Series will run from January to May and include combined men's and women's events in Dubai, UAE, and Montevideo, Uruguay, before standalone events in Germany and Poland for men and women, respectively. 

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