Shujaa and Lionesses, the Kenya men’s and women’s national teams scored a rare double by winning the main cup finals of the 27th Safari Sevens at the Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, October 12, 2025 when the curtains came down on the three-day event.

The wins were a big boost for the teams as they started preparations for various tournaments. Kenya Lionnesses are preparing for the Rugby Africa women’s tournament to be held at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground from November 14-15, 2025. Shujaa are bracing for World Rugby Sevens World Series tier two competition in February.

Two other teams, Tunisia and Uganda who will play in the championship played at Safari Sevens. The Lady Cranes were runners-up in the women’s category while Tunisia finished fifth.

Topped Pool

On their way to the final, Shujaa topped their Pool A and blanked Nyati 40-0 in the quarter finals before a gritty 29-19 win over a development Zimbabwe Cheetahs in the semis. In the final, Shujaa faced Shogun which was made up of the bulk of Spain’s Sevens team. 

Nygeel Amaitsa scored and converted his own try for a 7-7 tie at half time before Floyd Wabwiree scored the winner and Amaitsa converted. 

Earlier, Kenya Lionesses edged out a spirited Lady Crances 14-10 in the final. Edith Nariaka scored the opening try which Sinaida Nyachio converted. Comfort Anganyika replied with an unconverted try before the Lady Cranes scored their second to lead 10-7 at half time. 

Janet Okello scored the winner for Kenya Lionesses and Nyachio converted. The Lady Cranes had knocked out Costa Blanka Barbarians in the semi-finals. Okelo was named player of the final and Samuel Asati took the podium in the men’s category.

Sam Kildunne, brother to Ellie Kildunne, England women’s 15’s full back who was playing for the UK Select team was the top try and points scorer in the men’s category.

Onen Pleased

Speaking to www.thesportsnewsarena.com ahead of next month’s tournament, Charles Onen, the Lady Cranes coach said they were looking forward to a good tournament. Onen who traveled to Nairobi with a development side was pleased with his charges. “There are a few things to polish before we travel back to Nairobi,” he stated.

Lady Cranes upset Costa Blanca Barbarians who won the event in Machakos last year and exerted pressure on the eventual winners Kenya Lionesses. His opposite number Simon Odongo said the win was a good boost for the team who missed several key players who are likely to be called up for the Rugby Africa Sevens.

Tunisia who previously camped in Kenya to acclimatise believe they can do better. Their French coach Amaud le Berre said this tournament was a good way of trying out some of the combinations for the team. “We have had quality matches and have some work to do before next month,” he added. 

He said that reaching the quarter final was good, especially after having a good match against Shogun. Playing against Kenya was a good experience for the Tunisia team because of their experience.

Nour Ayari, 20, one of the players said this was a good tournament to prepare for the Africa Cup. “There is room for improvement,” she stated.

The final day was dampened by a belated announcement of the death of Belgium coach Warren Abrahams, 43. E formerly coached the Wales women’s team.

Day three results

Cup quarters

Women: Costa Blanca Barbarians w/o Belgium (8 am), Uganda 34 Kenya Cubs 0,  Shogun 17 Tunisia 12, Kenya Lionesses 24 Mwamba Select 5.

Men:  Shogun 31 French Renegades 5, Kenya Morans 21 UK Select 19, KCB 10 Zimbabwe 19, Kenya Shujaa 40 Nyati 0, 

Kenya Airways Shield: ReUnion 53 Walukuba Rugby 0, Apache 10 Uganda 19; Final: Uganda 26 ReUnion 10.

Fifth place play-off: 

Women: Belgium v Kenya Cubs (n/p), Tunisia 24 Mwamba Select 7; Final: Kenya Cubs 15 Tunisia 10.

Men: French Renegades 14 UK Select 42, KCB 31 Nyati 10; Final: UK Select 17 KCB 19. 

Cup semis

Women: Costa Blanca Barbarians 12 Uganda 17, Shogun 10 Kenya Lionesses 12: Play-off: Costa Blanca Barbarians 29 Shogun 5; Final: Kenya Lionesses 14 Uganda 10. Men: Shogun 14 Kenya Morans 12, Zimbabwe 19 Kenya Shujaa 29; Play-off: Kenya Morans 19 Zimbabwe 5; Final: Shogun 14 Kenya Shujaa 7.