As Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, looks ahead to the upcoming HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, there is growing optimism about the role of young players in the squad.
Following their impressive performances during the Olympic qualifiers in Zimbabwe and a successful title defense at the Safari 7s two weeks ago, the team’s leadership is focused on nurturing emerging talent.
Coaches and fans alike have praised the younger players for their hunger and determination on the field. “Happy to see young guys coming back to Shujaa, because they will give service to Shujaa for several years,” remarked the coach.
“The way they played during the Olympics and qualifiers in Zimbabwe, you could see that the boys are hungry for the game. Those are young guys and for me, it’s high time we gave an opportunity to young guys to play the game.”
Shujaa’s victory at the Safari 7s has set a strong foundation, but as they prepare for the HSBC circuit starting on November 30, 2024, there is a clear need for further preparation. The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) now faces the task of organizing a high-performance training camp to ensure the team is in peak condition. This includes arranging top-tier friendly matches to help the players gain crucial match experience and build team cohesion.
The coach emphasized that building a robust high-performance camp is essential for success in the demanding HSBC circuit, which features some of the world’s best rugby sevens teams. “We need to ensure that these young talents are ready to compete at the highest level. Friendly matches against strong teams will give them the exposure they need before the series begins,” he added.
With a blend of seasoned players and fresh, young talent, Shujaa is poised to make a mark on the international stage. The focus now shifts to how well the KRU can prepare the team, ensuring that Kenya’s rugby sevens squad continues to grow and compete against the best in the world.