Nairobi is full of excitement as Kenya’s national rugby sevens teams prepare for action. Kenya Shujaa (men) and the Kenya Lionesses (women), gear up to kick off their HSBC SVNS Division 2 campaign on home soil at Nyayo National Stadium this weekend.
The tournament marks the first leg of the newly structured global SVNS series.
Head coach Kevin “Bling” Wambua has named a balanced 12-man squad that blends seasoned campaigners with exciting new talent.
Co-captains George “Japolo” Ooro and Samuel Asati will lead the charge, bringing leadership and experience to a team that refuses to compromise on ambition.
Among the established core are familiar figures like Vincent Onyala, Kevin Wekesa, Patrick Odongo, Dennis Abukuse, Nygel Amaitsa, Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wabwire, John Okoth and Chrisant Ojwang’ — players who have carried the Kenyan jersey with distinction in recent seasons.
A standout inclusion is forward David Nyangige, who has earned his first senior call-up after impressing selectors with his form in domestic sevens and at high-performance camps abroad.
His debut represents the promise of the next generation of Kenyan sevens talent.
Shujaa’s build-up has included an intensive training period that featured a high-performance camp in Cape Town and extensive preparation at home, as coach Wambua fine-tunes combinations and tactical systems ahead of the weekend.
The Kenya Lionesses Team
Under the guidance of coach Simon Odongo, the Kenya Lionesses have named a dynamic 12-player squad for the Nairobi event, retaining a strong core of experienced performers while welcoming two exciting debutants.
Sheila Chajira will captain the women’s team, with Freshia Odour serving as vice-captain.
Both bring leadership and tactical nous to a roster that includes seasoned international campaigners such as Naomi Amuguni, Edith Nariaka, Phoebe Akinyi, Janet Okello, Maureen Muritu, Sinaida Nyachio, Grace Okulu and Stella Wafula.
The squad also features two debutants — Marvel Laura Oswago and Charity Nilah — who have earned their first Lions caps after strong showings in domestic rugby and training camps.
Their inclusion highlights the depth of talent in the women’s sevens pathway and Odongo’s belief in blending youth and experience.
Both teams will compete against a strong field in the first leg of the Division 2 series, with the ultimate goal of finishing among the top four overall and securing promotion to the HSBC SVNS World Championship and eventual Division 1 status in 2027.
With tickets sold out and a passionate home crowd expected, the atmosphere in Nairobi is expected to be electric as Kenya’s sevens ambassadors aim to shine in front of local supporters and kickstart their SVNS 2 journey in style.