Qualified was the banner placed in front of Kenya’s Shujaa following their emphatic 40-0 win over Canada in their final match of the day when the penultimate leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series Tier 2 kicked off in Sao Paulo.

The win and qualification was a big relief to the technical bench after an ignominious defeat by Belgium in their second match. Shujaa had started the day of a winning note by beating Germany 38-7. Germany who have already qualified could have eased their feet off the gas pedal to start thinking of the three-leg championship which kicks off in Hong Kong next month.

Such was the frustration by Kevin Wambua, the head coach whose body language left little to any imagination. In an interview with www.thewportsnewsarena.com Wambua explained the players were charged with the duty of taking responsibility while executing the non-negotiable approach in attack and defense. 

“This week, the technical bench empowered the players to identify areas where they could improve,” he explained. This was demonstrated when Shujaa became complacent against Belgium and were humbled. Their answer was a blanking of Canada and ensuring qualification.

Big Motivation

The manner in which they played against Canada is a big motivation to the next two matches against the USA and Uruguay. Reflecting on the loss to Belgium, Wambua added that it was the players who came up with solutions. “Thee match against Canada is one of the best this season,’ he acknowledged.

“Our aim was qualifying but we want to finish this phase on a high note which will be a big morale booster heading into Hong Kong,” Wambua explained. Looking ahead to the championship, Wambua predicted it will be tough. “Again these are teams we have played against so it is just a matter of adjusting and playing much better at a higher level because there are no second chances.”

By not playing in the top tier this season, Shujaa have been motivated and are keen to get back to the ‘big league’. “We have to be clinical and sharp when playing against the teams in the top tier,” the coach warned.

Podium Finish

The focus shifts to the match against the USA and Wambua feels confident of a win which could pave the way for a podium finish.

Vincent Onyala, a former captain of the team was equally optimistic, relieving the loss to Belgium that fired up the boys to a big win against Canada. As one of the leaders in the team, Onyala leads  by example and admires the openness among the squad where each player is free to ask questions. “They are a special group who learn very quickly and deliver,” he admitted.

Next month, Onyala is confident that the mentality will shift and the players will be hungry for a win and qualification to the top tier.

Sao Paulo, results

Men

Saturday, March 28, 2026: Uruguay 24 Canada 22, Germany 38 Kenya 7, USA 15 Belgium 24, Kenya 12 Belgium 14, Germany 19 Uruguay 26, USA 26 Canada 12, Germany 17 Belgium 28, Kenya 40 Canada 0, USA 19 Uruguay 14. 

Sunday, March 29, 2026: Uruguay v Belgium, Germany v Canada, USA v Kenya, Canada v Belgium, Kenya v Uruguay, USA v Germany.