Shujaa captain Tony Omondi makes bold promise ahead of Dubai trip

Shujaa co-captain Tony Omondi is a confident man ahead of their 2023 Dubai Invitational rugby tournament.

The Mwamba RFC star has promised Kenyans that the team which is undergoing a rebuilding process after being bundled out of the World Sevens Series will return from the United Arab Emirates with a trophy.

“We have been preparing well. Safari 7s played a big role in helping us prepare as well as this tournament. We are going to Dubai to take the trophy. If you are in Dubai, come and support us. If you will be watching, we need your support during this rebuilding phase,” he stated.

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Omondi will co-captain Shujaa alongside Vincent Onyala who plays for the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB).

The flyhalf also expressed gratitude to Shujaa’s technical bench for entrusting him with the co-captaincy role.

“Grateful for the privilege of leading Kenya Sevens on national duty. Thrilled to co-captain with Vincent Onyala as we set our sights on the Dubai 7s. Wishing the Kenya Lionesses all the best on their journey to Dubai too!” his social media post read.

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Shujaa must post excellent results in Pool C where they have been grouped with R10C Selects, Wailers, and Speranza 22 to stand a better chance of lifting the trophy.

The Kevin Wamabua’s charges will start their campaign against R10C Selects at 2:40 pm Kenyan time on Friday, December 1. The team will then entertain familiar opponents Wailers and Speranza 22 at 2:20 pm and 5 pm respectively the following day.

Kenya Lionesses, who narrowly missed the Safari 7s crown after suffering a 15 - 12 defeat in the hands of Uganda, have also been invited to the tournament.

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The Kenyan women will gauge themselves alongside the likes of the USA Falcons, French Militaire Sevens and Rhino Stompers in Pool A. Ireland invitational have also been included in this pool.

Lionesses are expected to begin their title hunt on Friday, December 1 at 5:40 pm against Ireland invitational before locking horns with Rhino Stompers at exactly 7:20 pm.  

Friday, December 1, 2023:

• Shujaa vs R1OC Selects | 2:40 pm
• Lionesses vs Ireland Invitational | 5:40 pm
• Lionesses vs Rhino Stompers | 7:20 pm

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Saturday, December 2, 2023:

• Shujaa vs Wailers | 2:20 pm
• Lionesses vs French Militaire Sevens | 3:20 pm
• Shujaa vs Speranza 22 | 5:00 pm
• Lionesses vs USA Falcons | 7:00 pm

Travelling Squads

Shujaa: Anthony Omondi, Vincent Onyala (Co-Captains), Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Herman Humwa,William Mwanji, Brian Tanga, Samuel Asati, Nygel Amaitsa, Festus Shiasi, Patrick Odongo, Brian Mutugi, George Ooro

Lionesses: Stella Wafula, Maureen Muritu, Phoebe Akinyi, Naomi Amuguni, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Judith Okumu, Sinaida Nyachio, Grace Okulu, Edith Nariaka, Diana Ochieng, Diana Kemunto