Pomp and color as triumphant Shujaa return home
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 04.06.24. | 16:12
Hundreds gathered to receive the resilient Shujaa.
The Kenya 7s national team, Shujaa, will end their day fatigued but in all smiles after a red carpet reception at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday morning.
The global sensations were welcomed at the airport around 1 pm in a spectacular and vibrant ceremony.
Traditional dancers electrified the mood, and upon arrival, Shujaa engaged in light dances that brought the terminal to a standstill.
Excitingly, the dancers had camped at the airport from 6:55 am, the initial arrival time for the team. Despite that, their energy was still palpable.
Hundreds had already gathered to receive the resilient Shujaa.
Among the dignitaries present were Sports Principal Secretary (PS) Peter Tum, Deputy Director State Department of Sports Caroline Kariuki, other ministry officials, National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) officials, and Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) officials.
Fans, families, and friends also turned up to welcome the team home.
Shujaa set the rugby world ablaze after defeating Germany 33-15 to reclaim the World Rugby 7s Series core status after one year in the cold.
Speaking during the colorful ceremony, PS Tum welcomed the boys back home, congratulating them for the job well done.
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The PS further assured them of the Ministry's support as they prepare for the Paris Olympics as well as the 2024/25 HSBC World Rugby 7s Series.
"First, we thank God for this win. We sent our CS to go and cheer the boys on behalf of the Kenyans. They went, they saw, and they conquered," the PS stated.
He continued: "As a government, it is not the first time we are supporting teams that have done us proud. We will continue supporting them. They went to Miramas, trained there and sharpened their skills. They have done us proud."
On his side, coach Kevin Wambua, who made history after leading Shujaa back to the series on his coaching debut, dedicated the win to the boys, noting that their resilience paid off. He further lauded the team for the teamwork exuded throughout the Challenger Series.
"Credit goes to the players. They achieved this feat. We made sure they are comfortable and have a solid environment. Brotherhood, taking care of each other on and off the team, and creating a culture where everyone was comfortable. Well deserved. We worked hard. Thanks to everyone who supported us," Coach Bling said.
Captain Vincent Onyala also remarked: "We worked as a unit. Having very young people achieve such an achievement is the highlight of all this."
Following that, the team will embark on a celebratory roadshow in Nyayo Estate, Baraka, Jacaranda, Donholm, Jogoo Road, the bustling Central Business District (CBD), Ngong Road, and finally, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) headquarters.
This journey will undoubtedly be a long one for the team, but it will allow fans to join in the festivities and show support to the Shujaa.
