The national men’s rugby sevens outfit, Shujaa have included two debutants in their squad that is set to do duty at the Hamilton and Sydney 7s in late January.
Menengai Oilers centre John Okoth has been included in the squad by head coach Damian McGrath following a brilliant start to his Kenya Cup season and impressive outings with Kenya Simbas (15’s side) in the 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
Daystar University’s Floyd Wabwire is also in the 13-man squad that will head to New Zealand and Australia for the fourth and fifth legs of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
Hard-hitting and fan favorite Alvin ‘Buffa’ Otieno also makes a berth in the squad for the first time this season after joining Eastman Warriors Rugby Club in the Eastman region of the province of Manitoba, Canada.
The Hamilton (New Zealand) leg is slated for Saturday 21 to Sunday 22nd January with the Sydney (Australia) leg coming a week later and will run from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 January.
Kabras RFC scrumhalf Brian Tanga also makes a comeback with Ronald Omondi making the squad for the second successive time following his debut in the Dubai and Cape Town 7s.
Shujaa head coach Damian McGrath explained the reinclusion of Tanga and Buffa and also heaped praise on his new debutants.
“It’s good to have the experience of Alvin and Tanga in the squad, both are a little short of sevens fitness but they bring a lot of experience and x-factor which is welcome.
John Okoth and Floyd are the future of Kenya 7s, Okoth is known for his exploits in Kenya Simbas, he is a big powerful, skillful player who will offset the likes of (Vincent) Onyala to a degree,” said McGrath.
Shujaa will be hoping to continue their resurgence following torrid performances in Hong Kong and Dubai which leaves them flirting with relegation.
Shujaa squad
Nelson Oyoo (C), Willy Ambaka, Herman Humwa, Kevin Wekesa, Denis Abukuse, Alvin Otieno, George Ooro, Edmund Anya, Tony Omondi, Ronnie Omondi, Brian Tanga, John Okoth, Floyd Wabwire.
