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Oscar Okaron details proposal to help Kenya Sevens regain mojo
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 18.01.25. | 21:31
, Okaron has urged the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) to establish a high-performance academy dedicated to rugby sevens
Former Kisumu RFC tactician Oscar Okaron has shared a bold proposal to help Kenya Sevens national team Shujaa maintain its competitive edge.
Shujaa returned to the HSBC SVNS Series in May 2024 after one year in the cold. They have since impressed, finishing ninth in the Dubai 7s and seventh in the Cape Town 7s.
However, Okaron believes that more can be done for the team.
The veteran tactician made history by leading Koyonzo High School to a historic Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Rugby Sevens victory in Rwanda in 2023.
From his experience nurturing school-level talent, Okaron has urged the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) to establish a high-performance academy dedicated to rugby sevens.
He envisions the academy as a springboard for young talent, enabling Kenya to remain competitive on the global stage and avoid relegation battles in the SVNS Series.
The former Homeboyz RFC coach pointed to a crop of talented halfbacks who could thrive with the right training.
He believes that players like Raymond Ambale, a UK-based player, Victor Wawire from Vihiga High School, Elvis Lukusi from Butula School, and Josephat Karanja from All Saints Embu could match world-class standards.
He also praised players already making waves, such as Shujaa’s Jackson Siketi, Nakuru RFC’s James Macharia, and KCB’s Emmanuel Opondo, who impressed during the National Sevens Circuit.
“Our high schools already have the big boys who can be scouted as early as U18. We cannot wait to see players like Karanja and Wawire after five years if nurtured properly,” Okaron told Mozzart Sport.
According to Okaron, the Shujaa Academy will provide comprehensive training tailored to the demands of the modern sevens game, focusing on physicality, speed, passing, and realignment skills.
He emphasized the academy's need to compete in international tournaments in South Africa, the United States, New Zealand, Fiji, the UK, and Dubai to expose players to elite-level competition.
“The physicality, speed, and reaction in the serves series have changed. The Shujaa technical team needs ready-made players with basic skills to compete and win trophies, not just survive,” he said.
Okaron’s proposal also calls for the inclusion of positions beyond halfbacks. He noted the importance of grooming agile forwards with flair, fast and powerful wingers, and all-round players capable of competing against the likes of New Zealand, South Africa, Fiji, and France.
Reflecting on Kenya’s challenges in the new 12-team SVNS Series format, Okaron expressed optimism about Shujaa’s potential to adapt and thrive.
“Kenya is a talent hub, just like other top sevens countries. Shujaa doesn’t need to survive or avoid relegation as the norm. Shujaa is a force with fans who travel to all legs of the series,” he said.
The former Administration Police coach also acknowledged the massive efforts by the current technical team, urging them to build on the lessons from the first two legs of the series.
With Kenya Sevens securing significant sponsorships, including a Ksh90 million deal, Okaron sees the perfect opportunity to launch the Shujaa Academy.
Drawing inspiration from former coach Mike Friday’s successful strategy of maintaining a pool of around four teams during the 16-team era, he envisions the academy ensuring a seamless transition for players and consistent high performance in the 12-team format.
“Shujaa is the face of Kenyan pride, the pride of Africa. The academy should be a priority and be invested in,” Okaron said.
Shujaa will resume the HSBC SVNS Series with the Perth 7s, slated for Friday, 24 January, to Sunday, 26 January, in Australia.
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