2025 Review: Inside Shujaa's rollercoaster season that ended in HSBC relegation but offered renewed hope

Kenya Sevens’ 2024/25 campaign will be remembered as one of sharp contrasts.

It offered heartbreak at the global stage, flashes of brilliance on the pitch, and a rebuilding process that continues to show promise despite structural setbacks.

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Mozzart Sport takes a review of how Shujaa performed in the season.

HSBC SVNS relegation

On Thursday, 1 May, Shujaa were officially relegated from the HSBC SVNS after World Rugby confirmed a major overhaul of the series.

The new format reduced the number of core teams from 12 to eight per gender, a move aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and driving global growth ahead of the LA 2028 Olympics.

The announcement confirmed what had already become inevitable.

Despite a heroic run at the Singapore 7s, where Kenya reached the final and pushed Fiji all the way before losing 21–12.

However, the points earned were insufficient to maintain their position in the top tier.

Shujaa collected 18 points in Singapore, their best return since rejoining the series, but that only lifted their season tally to 36 points.

Great Britain, who occupied the final safe spot, finished with 50 points, leaving Kenya well adrift of survival.

Season decided before Singapore

Kenya’s relegation had effectively been sealed long before the Singapore finale.

A difficult start to the campaign saw Shujaa manage just eight points in Cape Town, while underwhelming outings in Dubai, Perth, Hong Kong and Vancouver yielded a combined 10 points.

By the time the circuit reached its final stop, the equation was clear: that even a dream finish would not be enough to bridge the gap.

Still, the team showed character, pride and resilience in Singapore, producing their most inspired rugby of the season.

Silver in Singapore

There was a genuine belief that history could repeat itself in Singapore, a venue synonymous with Kenya’s greatest Sevens moment, the iconic 2016 title.

Shujaa fuelled that hope by taking an early lead in the final and enjoying a numerical advantage, but Fiji’s tactical discipline and long-standing dominance eventually told.

The 21–12 defeat denied Kenya a fairytale ending, but the silver medal stood out as a reminder of the team’s potential.

Domestic dominance

While the global stage proved unforgiving, Kenya remained a force closer to home.

Shujaa completed a remarkable four-peat at the Safari 7s after edging Shogun 14–7 in a tense final at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, 12 October.

The victory underlined their consistency at the annual tournament, having lost just once since 2021, a group-stage defeat to Germany in the 24th edition, which they still went on to win.

It was their fourth consecutive final appearance and the third straight final clash against Shogun, following previous wins in 2023 and 2024.

New faces

Amid the turbulence, a new generation continued to announce itself.

The likes of: Jackson Siketi, Rayvon Ambale, Floyd Wabwire, and Daystar Falcons’ powerful ball carrier Clinton Amukwachi all enjoyed standout moments, adding depth and competition within the squad.

Their rise offered optimism that Kenya’s Sevens pipeline remains strong, even as the team navigates structural changes on the world stage.

Morans

Kenya’s depth was further highlighted by the Morans, who delivered a statement performance at the Zambezi Challenge 7s in Harare on 9 November.

The Morans went unbeaten throughout the tournament and did not concede a single point, capping their run with a dominant 14–0 victory over Zimbabwe Cheetahs in the final.

The triumph came shortly after securing bronze at the Safari 7s, reinforcing Kenya’s growing squad depth.

Strong foundation

Since taking charge in August 2023, coaches Kevin Wambua and Louis Kisia have overseen a steady upward trajectory despite the latest setback.

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They guided Shujaa back from their first-ever relegation after 23 years, masterminded a stunning Africa Men’s Sevens-cum-Olympic Qualifiers triumph over South Africa to seal qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Later, they helped Kenya reclaim core status by defeating Germany 33–15 in the promotion playoffs in June 2024.

New chapter in Division II

Even after the latest relegation, Kenya responded with authority.

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Shujaa secured promotion to the newly created HSBC SVNS Division II after an impressive showing at the promotion and relegation playoffs in Los Angeles on Sunday, 5 May.

They capped the campaign with a commanding 24–5 win over Canada in the men’s final, earning their place in the new-look second tier.