The national seven-a-side rugby team, Shujaa will miss the X-Factor of two inspirational players Vincent Onyala and Kevin Wekesa who have been omitted from the squad named to represent Kenya at this year’s event that kicks off on October 9, 2026 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Onyala, a former captain of the team is a silent enforcer whose experience and vision has been the mainstay of the national team. He has and continues to mentor many players. His contribution on the pitch is often underrated but often comes to the rescue at crucial moments with his vision and never-die-attitude.
Consistently Training
His absence has not been fully explained. According to those close to him, Onyala has not been consistently training with the team and because the selection was made based on training, he missed out.
Another solid player, Kevin Wekesa also missed out. Perhaps his case is more understandable after a packed season where he played at the Rugby Premier League in India as well as the inaugural Ultimate Sevens right after a busy season in the World Rugby Tier Two and Championship tournaments.
In their absence, the Kenya technical bench has had a chance to include several emerging players in an effort to bridge the gap between the senior and emerging players so that there could be a smoother transition once some of the senior players reach their peak. The criteria of selecting the two squads was their performance at the national sevens circuit.
Mental Hardness
What most fans fail to understand is that a good performance at the national circuit is just an expression of interest in playing at the next level. The mental hardness and an ability to adapt, absorb pressure and execute playing patterns among others are just some of the daily requirements.
Previously, some of the players have been fast-tracked to the national team after a sterling performance at the national circuit only to buckle at the intensity of playing for the national team. Also, it is encouraging that a pool of leadership is widening with the appointment of some of the younger players as captains.
There is no better stage than a home tournament for such debutants to convince those doubting their prowess. The fans who rallied for their inclusion will b eon the stands and there is no hiding place.
Previous Players
At Safari Sevens, Shujaa and Morans will tackle teams with different playing styles. Some of the teams have on their technical bench, officials who have previously played at this event.
Shujaa has three debutants namely Elvis Olukusi, Glacious Owino and Rayvonn Ambale who were in the Kenya Morans squad that won the Rugby Africa Sevens in Mauritius last weekend.
Moran has six debutants namely Mathias Osimbo, Stanslaus Shikoli, Patrick Kluivert, Mike Lukusi, Harrison Mauve, and Brighton Omondi. There is no room for Floyd Wabwire who has played for Shujaa in the past.
Kenya Morans: Clinton Amukwachi (captain), Dennis Ndayala (captain), Mathias Osimbo, Stanslaus Shikoli, Patrick Sabatia, Patrick Kluivert, Eugene Ojiambo, Mike Lukusi, Arnold Agonda, Lucky Onyango, Harrison Mauve, Brighton Omondi.
Shujaa: George Ooro (captain), Samuel Asati (captain), John Okoth, Brian Mutua, Gabriel Ayimba, Elvis Olukusi, Nygel Amaitsa, Glacious Owino, Rayvon Ambale, Festus Shiasi, Patrick Odongo, Victor Mola.
Safari Sevens Draw
Men
Pool A: Kenya, Uganda, Fast Forwards 7s, Scotland.
Pool B: Shogun, French Renegades, Southern California Nomads, Wellington Jaguars
Pool C: Kenya Morans, Zimbabwe, Gel Squad 7s, Wonder 7s
Order of play
Friday: Zimbabwe v Wonder 7’s, Kenya Morans v Gel Squad 7s, French Renegades v Wellington Jaguars, Shogun v Southern California Nomads, Uganda v Scotland, Kenya Shujaa v Forward Legends.
Saturday: Zimbabwe v Gel Squad 7s, Kenya Morans v Wonder 7s, French Renegades v Southern California Nomads, Shogun v Wellington Jaguars, Uganda v Forward Legends, Kenya Shujaa v Scotland, Gel Squad 7s v Wonder 7s, Southern California Nomads v Wellington Jaguars, Forward Legends v Scotland, Kenya Morans v Zimbabwe, Shogun v French Renegades, Kenya Shujaa v Uganda.
