2024 was a year that Kenya 7s fortunes changed for the better, with several good runs on the pitch.
Under Coach Kevin Wambua, the side earned a place in the revamped World 7s Series after spending a season outside. This achievement was arguably the best moment of the year for both fans and players. Shujaa had finished second in the Challenger Series to qualify for the 7s qualifiers. Here, they beat Samoa 19-12, lost to Spain 10-5, and defeated Chile 36-7.
Kenya 7s Core Status
In the winner-takes-all decider, the team faced Germany and secured a resounding 33-15 victory in Madrid, regaining their core status on June 2. It was a pivotal moment for the players, with Herman Humwa likening the qualification to liberation in an interview with a local radio station.
“We are happy to be back in the series. You could see from the celebrations—they were telling us to leave the pitch, but the fans brought the vibe, so it felt like a second Madaraka Day since the previous day was Madaraka Day. We felt we had freed ourselves from the Challenger Series.”
Kenya 7s speedster Patrick Odongo scores. PHOTO/Mike Lee for World Rugby.
Humwa also highlighted the challenges in Madrid, saying, “The fight wasn’t easy, but with the thought of a second heartbreak, we couldn’t let the country down. We had to ensure the team had a purpose for the win.”
Days later, the government rewarded the team with Ksh 5.7 million for their promotion back to the World 7s Series. The then Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba announced this during a special dinner organized by the Sports Ministry in June.
Kenya 7s Win Challenger Series in Dubai
The year started on a high note with Kenya 7s winning the first leg of the Challenger Series held in Dubai. Patrick Odongo led the charge as Kenya beat Chile 12-5 in the final at the Sevens Stadium on January 14, 2024.
Shujaa began with a 41-0 win over Mexico, defeated Uganda 29-7, and lost to Germany 24-12 in the group stage. In the knockout phase, they edged Japan 21-19, overcame Uruguay 27-5, and beat Chile 12-5 to clinch the title. Patrick Odongo had a standout performance, scoring 11 tries in his first World 7s event.
Sponsorships
In November, gaming firm SportPesa revised their sponsorship, signing a new two-year deal worth Ksh 84.15 million. The first year’s allocation was Ksh 33 million, an increase of Ksh 11 million from the previous sponsorship. For the second year, the sponsorship will rise to Ksh 49.5 million.
The Morans squad was also set to benefit, with funds allocated for salaries, travel costs, nutrition, and other essentials. SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri expressed a long-term vision beyond the two years, emphasizing their commitment to nurturing talent through the National 7s Circuit.
Kenya 7s and Sportpesa during the sponsorship launch. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma
Safaricom joined as a sponsor, committing Ksh 90 million over two years. They became the front shirt sponsor for Kenya Lionesses, while Shujaa had Safaricom as their back sponsor.
Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer, detailed the comprehensive support, including financial literacy training, salary payments, airtime allowances, and insurance. Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, CEO of M-Pesa Africa, emphasized prompt salary payments directly via M-Pesa, prioritizing players’ welfare.
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Safari 7s three-eat
Shujaa secured their third consecutive Safari 7s title with a hard-fought 12-0 win over Shogun Rugby at Machakos Stadium, adding to their 2021 and 2023 titles. This marked their first treble since 2008-2010.
The tightly contested final saw a 0-0 halftime stalemate before Samuel Asati set up Patrick Odongo for the opening try. Despite a yellow card to Odongo, Shujaa extended their lead with a Benson Salem try, sealing the victory.
Kenya 7s at the Olympics
Kenya 7s participated in their third consecutive Olympics, held in France. While they did not achieve their desired results, they secured ninth place by defeating Samoa in the playoffs—their best Olympic finish.
Notable players included Vincent Onyala and Herman Humwa, who made their second Olympic appearances, and first-timers such as Patrick Odongo and Nigel Amaitsa.
Kenya 7s beat South Africa
Kenya achieved back-to-back wins over South Africa, defeating them in the Dubai 7s on their return to the World 7s Series. This victory followed their 2023 Africa Men’s 7s triumph over South Africa.
The victory was delightful, as South Africa entered the match with five consecutive tournament wins and had earlier brushed aside Australia 17-0.
Eight debutants in World 7s Series
In late November, Kenya 7s returned to the World 7s Series with a mix of experienced players like Kevin Wekesa and George Ooro. They had eight debutants William Mwanji, Brian Mutua, Samuel Asati (cc), Nygel Amaitsa, Chrisant Ojwang, Patrick Odongo, Festus Shiasi and Brayan Ondego who faced the top tier for the first time.
Brian Ondego releases the ball in Safari 7S. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma
The team showed promise, finishing 10th in Dubai and improving to 7th in Cape Town.
Challenges
Before the entry of Sportesa restructered sponsorship, the were case of go slows and Onyala missed the opening legs of the series due to contractual issues. Though Anthony Omondi featured in Dubai, it is still unclear if they have reached an agreement.
