Kenya 7s tactician Louis Kisia has affirmed the team’s preparedness for the HSBC SVNS playoffs in Madrid. The determined Shujaa squad is singularly focused on making a triumphant return to the World 7s Series following a year-long absence.
According to Kisia, the Kenya 7s assistant coach, all necessary arrangements have been made as they commence their campaign on Friday, May 31st.
“This is what we have been preparing for the entire season,” Kisia said. “The boys are in high spirits. We had a productive session in France where we worked on everything from attack, defense, and set-piece to basic core skills,” he told World Rugby.
Kenya 7s will be showcasing several debutants in the upcoming World Series Final in Madrid, with players like Chrisant Ojwang, Samuel Asati, Lameck Ambetsa, and Nygel Amaitsa making their first appearances.
Despite the presence of newcomers, experienced figures such as captains Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi, and Herman Humwa are anticipated to provide leadership and play pivotal roles in the promotion battle.
After a commendable performance in the recently concluded Challenger Series, Shujaa is well aware of the formidable challenges posed by the seven teams in the promotion race.
“Our mantra for the entire season has been to take one game at a time. It’s going to be a long weekend. There will be ups and downs, but the boys have trained hard all season,” Kisia added.
In Pool B of the HSBC SVNS playoffs in Madrid, Kenya 7s finds itself alongside Spain, Samoa, and Chile. Notably, both Spain and Samoa, having finished in the bottom four of the HSBC SVNS, will be making their playoff debuts. Conversely, Kenya 7s and Chile secured their spots in this competition by placing in the top four of the Challenger Series.
Meanwhile, former Kenya 7s coach Mike Friday will lead the United States in Pool A, facing off against Canada, Uruguay, and Germany. Both Uruguay and Canada will be making their second consecutive appearances in the competition.
Friday expressed disappointment at his team being in the qualifiers but acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead for them.
“To say we are disappointed to be in this relegation competition is a huge understatement, but that is the reality of where we find ourselves after the tumultuous world of sevens and how this format plays out.
“Our squad is balanced with some real physicality, adding to the power and speed normally associated with us. I am pleased with our focus and drive over the past few weeks, and we are only concentrating on what is to come.
“We will have done our preparation on each of the teams we face and understand what is required to be successful in this format. The boys are eager to get into the trenches and get on with the job,” Friday said.
Kenya 7s Playing Times:
Friday, May 31, 2024
Kenya vs. Samoa at 6:25 p.m.
Kenya vs. Spain at 10:18 p.m.
