Some of the toughest matches are played at home before your own fans. The pressure is real and the expectations high for the host teams to milk the support and land a place on the podium.

This is the reality facing the two Kenya seven-a-side rugby teams Shujaa and Lionesses when the highly anticipated World Rugby Sevens World Series Tier 2 tournament kicks off at the Nyayo National Stadium on February 14. Already, some of the teams have landed in Nairobi to put in the final touches ahead of the kick off.

On Monday, the Kenya squads were revealed with very minimal changes. The men’s team coached by Kevin Wambua has a physical outlook which hints at their approach for the three-leg tournament with stops in Kenya, Uruguay and Brazil. David Nyangige makes his debut for Shujaa.

Minimal Changes

The women’s team under the tutelage of Simon Odongo also has minimal changes with an experienced lineup that includes the long-serving Janet Okello in their ranks. Charity Nillah and Marvel Oswago will make their debut.Perhaps the only dark cloud hanging around the Lionesses camp is a backlog of unpaid allowances.

Whether they will be able to ride the wave of the financial handicap and use the homeground advantage remains to be seen. Kenya Rugby Union admitted the players are owed allowances from past engagements with no clear plan on when this will be cleared.

Impressive Results

Both teams return to a venue they know so well and have recorded some impressive results. It is here that they both won the Safari Sevens Titles in October last year. Also, it is at the same venue that Kenya Lionesses played a second fiddle to South Africa in the final of the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s final in November.

Shujaa camped in South Africa while Lionesses traveled to Spain in preparation for the two-day tournament.

Shujaa: George Ooro, Samuel Asati, John Okoth, Dennis Abukuse, Vincent Onyala, Kevin Wekesa, Patrick Odongo, Festus Shiasi, Nygel Amaitsa, Floyd  Wabwire, Chrisant Ojwang, David Nyangige.

Officials: Kevin Wambua (coach), Louis Kisia (assistant coach), Andrew Amonde (strength and conditioning), Eric Ogweno (team manager), Lamech Bogonko (physiotherapist).

Kenya Lionesses: Naomi Amuguni, Moreen Muritu, Sheila Chajira, Sinaida Nyachio, Edith Nariaka, Janet Okello, Marvel Oswago, Fresha Oduor, Charity Nilla, Grace Okulu, Stella Wafula, Phoebe Akinyi.Officials: Simon Odongo (coach), Jeff Onyango (strength and conditioning), Camilyne Oyuayo (team manager), Levyce Kituyi (physiotherapist).