Shujaa Squad. Photo | Courtesy.
Shujaa head coach Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua has officially unveiled the squad that will compete in the highly anticipated 2024 Safari Sevens tournament, set to take place from Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13 at Machakos Stadium.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 National 7s Circuit, the initial 36-man preliminary team was trimmed down to 26 players, with 12 athletes selected to represent Shujaa, while the remaining players will feature for Morans.
Leading the charge for Shujaa is Strathmore Leos’ powerful forward, George Ooro. A fan favorite, Ooro has played a pivotal role in Shujaa’s resurgence, contributing to the team’s qualification for the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series, representing Kenya at the Olympics, and helping secure victory in the final leg of the National 7s Circuit at Prinsloo 7s with a stellar performance.
Joining Ooro is Brian Mutua from Kabras RFC, another key player in Shujaa’s journey back to the HSBC stage after a year in the second division.
Mutua will be accompanied by former teammate Kevin Wekesa, who brings a wealth of experience after recently competing with the French side Monaco Rugby Sevens in the 2024-2025 In Extenso Super Sevens.
Also representing Kabras is William Mwanji, a tall and dynamic player eager to establish himself within the national team.
Menengai Oilers’ standout, Dennis Abukuse, has also earned his spot on the squad. Abukuse’s impressive performances throughout the National 7s Circuit, including securing the third Impact Player award of the season, made him an undeniable choice for the team.
The skilled Samuel Asati of KCB Rugby returns to the squad after missing the Prinsloo 7s, where his absence was strongly felt as his club failed to qualify for the quarterfinals. Benson Salem from Nondies RFC also made the squad despite battling injuries during the season. He returned just in time to help his team reach the Prinsloo 7s final.
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Mwamba RFC’s Brian Mutugi has also been selected, bringing valuable experience from last year’s successful Safari Sevens campaign.
This marks Mutugi’s second call-up to the squad after a strong showing in the 2023 National Sevens Circuit. Additionally, Patrick Odongo of Daystar University and Gabriel Ayimba, son of the legendary Kenya 7s coach Benjamin Ayimba, round out the squad. Ayimba continues to impress fans and will aim to help lead Shujaa to victory.
Shujaa Squad for Safari 7s:
- George Ooro
- Brian Mutua
- Kevin Wekesa
- William Mwanji
- Dennis Abukuse
- Samuel Asati
- Benson Salem
- Jackson Siketi
- Nygel Amaitsa
- Brian Mutugi
- Patrick Odongo
- Gabriel Ayimba
