Kenya Morans' ace hoping to wow at Safari 7s

Nondies RFC halfback Benson Salem is looking to exceed expectations after being drafted into the Kenya Morans squad that will be on duty during the 2023 Safari 7s slated for the RFUEA Grounds from November 17-19. The senior matches are set to start on Saturday 18, to pave the way for the age grade category.

The Safari Sevens is an annual rugby 7s tournament held in Nairobi, Kenya. The tournament is open to international representative sides, professional and amateur clubs, invitational teams, and university and school teams. Rugby sevens is a variant of rugby union in which teams are made up of seven players playing seven-minute halves.

Nicknamed 'Magical Salem' for his impressive decision-making skills on the pitch, the 2022 Prinsloo 7s Top Point Scorer told Mozzart Sport that he was looking to pick up from where he left off in the last edition held in 2021. He was part of the Shujaa team that mauled 12-7 over Germany in the finals to emerge champions.

"It’s always an honor getting an opportunity to represent the country. I’m really grateful and excited to be part of this team once again," Salem said.

Salem who made his international debut with Shujaa in May 2022 further pointed out that the tournament will provide him with an opportunity to weigh his skills ahead of the 2023/23 Kenya Cup season set to commence on November 25. Kenya Morans will be up against teams like KCB Rugby and Samurai. For Salem, their match against the Bankers will be a repeat of the 2023 Impala Floodlights final where KCB Rugby narrowly beat Nondies RFC 25-23. He will be hunting for revenge.

"I don’t want to pressure myself too much. So, I’m just going to play to the best of my ability because I know I’m still learning and trying to better myself," he told Mozzart Sport.

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The Dagoretti High School alumni also expressed trust in his teammates' abilities, noting that they were well prepared for the affair.

"I’ve been working on my game understanding and management as a playmaker knowing what needs to be done or what doesn’t at a particular moment or time in the game. The boys are ready. We’ve been putting in a lot of work, pushing each other, and making sure that no one remains behind. I believe the boys are going to give one hell of a fight," he concluded.

He will be keen to help the Morans improve from their current third position. They labored 12-5 past a spirited Red Wailers side to scoop third position and claim the bronze medal in the 2021 edition.

The playmaker will share the pitch with Kabras RFC speedster Lamec Ambetsa, Kenya Harlequins halfback Cornelius Mokoro, Mwamba RFC's vintage player Stephen Sikuta, Chrisant Ojwang of Nakuru RFC whose performance in the circuit was impressive, and experienced KCB Rugby's lock Elvis Olukusi among others.

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Kenya Morans have been placed in Pool B which sees them square off with Germany, Samurai, KCB Rugby, and Western Province Select.

Salem showcased his true warrior spirit when he turned up for his team during Tisap 7s held in Eldoret on September 2-3 despite the loss of his mother. He would then propel the side to win their first victory in the National 7s Circuit (NSC) in two decades. Ben Nyambu's charges saw off Strathmore Leos 12-7 to win the penultimate leg of the 2023 NSC. They last won a leg in 2002 when they beat Ulinzi RFC 30-0 to lift the Driftwood 7s. He previously played for the Shamas Rugby Foundation before joining the Nondies.

Morans: Elvis Olukusi (Co-Captain), Barnabas Owuor, Gabriel Ayimba, Richard Omedo, Stephen Sikuta, Ronnie Omondi, Ben Salem, Chrisant Ojwang’( Co-Captain), Lamec Ambesta, Austine Sikutwa, Cornelius Mokoro, Floyd Wabwire

Safari 7s Pools

Pool A: Shujaa, Red Wailers, Uganda, SA All Stars, Tropic 7s

Pool B: Germany, Morans, Samurai, KCB, Western Province Select

Women: Lionesses, Uganda, TUKS 7s, Cubs, Tropic 7s