Vincent Onyala and playmaker Brian Tanga have been recalled to the Shujaa squad for the third leg of the 2024/2025 World Rugby Sevens Series in Perth Australia slated for 24-26 January.
Onyala returns after missing the Dubai and Cape Town legs due to a knee injury while Tanga is back after recovering from a wrist injury suffered during the Christie Sevens in July.
Onyala, 28, led Kenya Sevens to the African Cup victory, Paris Olympics games and back to the World Rugby Challenger Series.
Head coach Kevin ‘Bling’Wambua said Onyala brings a wealth of experience and adds to the leadership group which includes the co-captains George Ooro, Samuel Asati and Tony Omondi.
Shujaa are in pool ‘C’ where they face Olympic silver medalists Fiji, rugby powerhouses New Zealand and Uruguay.
Kenya is currently ranked nineth in the series after amassing 11 points. Shujaa finished seventh in the Cape Town Series and 10th in the Dubai Sevens.
Wambua believes his charges are up to the task ahead of the Perth leg.
“There are no easy games and every game in this pool will be a final. Fiji play an off-load game and are very dangerous in unstructured play while New Zealand play an expansive game with lots of emphasis on skill. Uruguay are a smart physical side,” noted Wambua.
Wambua said they worked on their pace and accuracy during their training camp held in Nakuru last week.
“We have done a lot of work in the camp including set-pieces and defence. Our defence won us a couple of games in Cape Town so we want to be better on and off the ball,” added Wambua.
The Mwamba tactician said they were also working on jet lag protocols for the trip to Perth to ensure the boys are fit and ready for the three-day tournament.
“In consultation with the physiotherapist, we are addressing the jet lag issue. We are keen to adopt good sleeping patterns and rest so us not compromise our performance during the tournament,” he said.
Co-captain Ooro said they are unfazed by the presence of New Zealand and Fiji.
“Playing against the best is a good thing for us and we are more prepared for them and we know what to expect.”
Shujaa Squad
Kevin Wekesa, Goerge Ooro (cc), William Mwanji, Vincent Onyala, Dennis Abukuse, Samuel Asati (cc), Nygel Amaitsa, Antony Omondi, Patrick Odongo, Festus Shiasi, Benson Salem, Floyd Wabwire and Brian Tanga.
