Kenya Sevens 2023: New talents, Safari 7s triumph, Olympic qualification and HSBC relegation

2023 was a year that saw Kenya 7's national team; Shujaa triumph and fall in equal measure. With the calendar almost turned to 2024, Mozzart Sport looks back at the iconic Shujaa moments of the past 12 months. The team has 100

New young faces in the team

Following their relegation from the HSBC series calls to grow the sport escalated, a move that saw new faces included in the squad.

Six debutants were included in the team to compete in the Africa Men's 7s. The debutants were Nygel Amaitsa, Samuel Asati, Patrick Odongo, Beldad Ogeta, Festus Shiasi, and William Mwanji.

New technical bench

This year also saw Shujaa enjoy the services of a new technical bench.

Kevin Wambua took over the head coach duties from Damian Mc Grath. He is assisted by Strathmore Leos tactician Loius Khisia.

The coaching staff also includes former Kenya 7s captain Andrew Amonde who took over the role of strength and conditioning coach. Lameck Bogonko was appointed the team's physiotherapist with Chris Brown taking over consultancy duties. Eric Ongweno was appointed the team liaison.

Shujaa qualified for the Olympics

The Shujaa overcame pre-tournament favorites South Africa 17-12 in a tense final to join France, New Zealand, Argentina, Fiji, Australia, Uruguay, Ireland, and the USA in the Paris line-up.

After the crushing disappointment of missing out on the inaugural HSBC Sevens after a last-gasp, relegation play-off defeat to Canada in London in May, the Kenya squad was all smiles in Harare once the magnitude of what they had achieved had sunk in.

They were awarded Ksh200,000 each by the Ministry of Sports for their incredible achievement.

Safari Sevens glory

Shujaa proved to be the kings of rugby when they dismantled Samurai Barracudas 19-0 in the final played at the RFUEA Grounds on Sunday, November 19.

The win saw Shujaa defend the title they last won in 2021 following a 12-5 win over Germany at the Nyayo National Stadium.

To reach the final stage, Shujaa had seen off South Africa All Stars 36-0 before securing wins over Tropic 7s 33-5, Uganda Cranes 17-5, and Red Wailers 34-7 to cruise to the semifinals.

At the semifinal stage, the resilient Kenya 7s defeated Germany 19-5 to book a date with Samurai in the finals.

Shujaa fail to travel for Dubai 7s

Kenya 7s and Kenya Lionesses did not participate in the Dubai 7s international tournament as planned.

According to a last-minute statement by the Union, the team did not honor the tournament due to logistical challenges. They were looking to extend their fine form following the Safari 7s triumph.

Relegation from the World Rugby 7s series

The national sevens rugby team was relegated from the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series following a 12-7 playoff final loss to Canada at Twickenham Stadium, London on May 21.

The defeat meant the Kenyans lost their status as a core team in international rugby’s elite seven series for the first time in two decades.

Shujaa flirting with relegation from World Rugby Sevens Series after three dismal outings

The four-team relegation playoff — part of the HSBC London 7s, the 11th and final stop of the men's season — was a product of the World Series reducing the number of men's teams to 12 from 16 next season to align with the women's competition and the Olympic field.

They will compete in the Challenger series in January as they seek to reclaim their lost glory.

Legends bid adieu

This year saw big names hang their boots from the competitive squad. Collins Injera, Willy Ambaka, and Billy Odhiambo are some of the renowned players who retired.

Their retirement saw Shujaa take a big step behind, but the new faces in the squad are rising up to the task. For instance, 23-year-old Patrick Odongo was the top try scorer during the Africa Men's 7s when Kenya qualified for the Olympics.