Paris, here we go! Shujaa announce squad for 2024 Olympic 7s duty
3rd July 2024
Only two out of the 12 players have Olympic experience from the Tokyo 2020 showpiece.
- The rugby 7s competitions will take place from 24-30 July.
- Shujaa qualified to the Paris Olympics courtesy of being crowned African champions.
- The Kevin Wambua-coached side are in Pool B alongside Argentina, Australia and Samoa.
The men’s national rugby 7s head coach Kevin Wambua has
announced the final Shujaa squad heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics taking
place in the French capital from 24-30 July.
In the 12-man squad released, only two players in Vincent
Onyala and Herman Humwa will be gracing the tournament having appeared in an
Olympic event (Tokyo 2020) before with the other ten players set for their maiden bow in the
iconic sporting showpiece.
Fast-rising Patrick Odongo, life of the party George ‘Japolo’
Ooro and the bulldozing Kevin Wekesa will be the names psyched up for their
first Olympic duty alongside Samuel ‘Tintin’ Asati, Nigel Amaitsa and John
Okoth.
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The experienced Brian Tanga and Tony Omondi, who will
continue in his co-captaincy role alongside Onyala, are also in the squad.
Chrisant Ojwang and the speedy Lamech Ambetsa complete the
lineup with Dennis Abukuse and Festus Shiasi named as the travelling reserves.
Speaking after naming the squad, Wambua, who will also be leading
in his first Olympic tournament, expressed his delight in the team’s
preparation and backed the team to put up a good performance.
“The team has been in camp for four weeks and we are pleased
with how well we have gelled together. Each player has shown dedication and
commitment, both on and off the field and we are ready to give our very best at
the Olympics.
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Our preparation has been intense, focusing on refining our
skills and strategies. We are determined to represent Kenya with pride and aim
to make a significant impact in Paris. With
the support of our fans and the nation behind us, we are confident in our
abilities and look forward to competing at the highest level,” said Wambua.
Kenya are in Pool B in Paris where they will face 2024 SVNS
league winners Argentina, Australia and Oceanic powerhouse Samoa.
Hosts France and their superstar Antoine Dupont are in Pool
C together with two-time Olympic champions Fiji, USA and debutants Uruguay while
Pool A sees top seed New Zealand grouped with Ireland, Japan and South Africa
who qualified via the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco.
Shujaa will now head to Miramas, France for a final training
camp before heading to Paris.
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Shujaa Squad to Olympics
Vincent Onyala (CC)
Tony Omondi (CC)
John Okoth
Kevin Wekesa
George Ooro
Samuel Asati
Nigel Amaitsa
Brian Tanga
Patrick Odongo
Lamech Ambetsa
Chrisant Ojwang
Herman Humwa
Traveling Reserves: 13. Festus Shiasi 14. Dennis Abukuse
Training Reserve: 15. Brian Mutugi
Technical:
Head Coach: Kevin Wambua
Conditioning Coach: Andrew Amonde
Physio: Lamech Bogonko
Team Manager: Steven Sewe
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