Shujaa’s return home carried the feel of a job well done, but also the quiet understanding that a bigger challenge now awaits. After a demanding campaign across Nairobi, Montevideo, and São Paulo, Kenya Sevens secured a second place finish in the HSBC SVNS 2, confirming their place to the World Championship Series and marking a decisive step back toward the elite tier of global rugby.
It has been a journey built on growth and resilience. From the opening leg in Nairobi, where glimpses of potential began to emerge finishing 3rd, to performances in Montevideo also getting a bronze, Shujaa steadily built momentum. By the time they arrived in São Paulo, the team had found its rhythm, blending structure with attacking flair to deliver when it mattered most. That consistency, capped by bettering Nairobi and Montevideo performances in Sao Paulo Brazil and finishing Second , ensured they ended the series just behind the United States, but crucially ahead of the playoff threshold.
Head coach Kevin Wambua has overseen a squad that has not only delivered results but also shown depth and unity. In a remarkable statistic, all 12 players used across the campaign got on the scoresheet, underlining a collective approach rather than reliance on a few individuals. Even among the lowest scorers, each contributed at least two tries, highlighting the balance within the side.
Patrick Odongo led the scoring charts for Kenya, finishing the campaign with 11 tries in 15 matches, including a hat trick and two braces, consistently providing the cutting edge in attack. Close behind was former skipper Vincent Onyala, whose seven tries and physical presence remained central to Shujaa’s forward momentum throughout the series. The emergence of youngster David Nyangige added another positive note, with his brace against the USA in Brazil signaling the arrival of new energy within the squad.
Now, the focus shifts to the next stage. Kenya will compete in the World Championship Series, with legs scheduled in Hong Kong from April 17 to 19, Valladolid from May 29 to 31, and Bordeaux from June 5 to 7. The pools for the opening round in Hong Kong have already been confirmed, with Shujaa placed in Pool C with traditional powerhouses & fellow HSBC SVNS 2 winners.
The objective is clear. A top eight finish across the three rounds will secure Kenya a place in HSBC SVNS 1 next season. It is a challenge that will demand consistency, discipline, and sharper execution, areas that have at times defined the difference between strong performances and missed opportunities.
As they settle back home, Shujaa carry both confidence and lessons from HSBC SVNS 2. They have proven they belong back on the big stage. The next phase will determine whether they can firmly reestablish themselves among the world’s elite.
