Coach Louis Kisia has announced the Kenya Sevens Morans squad set to compete in the 2024 Rugby Africa 7s in Mauritius. The team sees the return of Denis Abukuse, William Mwanji, and Festus Shiasi, who last represented the national team in the first leg of the Challenger Series in Dubai.
The Kenya Sevens Morans are placed in Pool A and will face off against Madagascar, Nigeria, and Mauritius in the tournament.
“We’ve had sufficient preparations at Kasarani ahead of the Africa 7s this weekend, thanks to KRU and NOCK for ensuring the Morans side trains with the Shujaa squad. We have had HP sessions led by Kenya Sevens SnC Coach Andrew Amonde, which have significantly contributed to our preparations for this tournament. We have received input from the Head Coach on our preparations, and I believe the team is ready to roar in Mauritius,” said Louis Kisia.
Coach Louis Kisia highlighted that the majority of the Kenya Sevens Morans squad members have previous tournament experience.
Joel Inzuga and Harmony Wamalwa have represented Morans before, while Brian Mutua, Ben Salem, Denis Abukuse, Elvis Olukusi, Festus Shiasi, William Mwanji, Richard Liva, and Gabriel Ayimba have all been training with the Shujaa during the HSBC Challenger Series period. Edmund Anya is making a return since last season, bringing valuable experience to the team.
The new addition to the sevens setup is Victor “Mola” Odhiambo, who has been on the radar of Kenya 7s management. Although he had been called up previously, an injury prevented him from playing. Now recovered, Mola is back in the team, and there is anticipation to see him proudly wear the Kenyan colors for Morans.
“Our target in Mauritius is the gold medal. We want to replicate our performance during the 2023 Rugby Africa 7s tournament. The team knows our objective, and they’re ready to conquer Africa for the second year running,” concluded Louis.
The tournament will be held over two weekends, 29th/30th June and 6th/7th July 2024. The fixtures will be communicated subsequently.
Morans Squad to Mauritius:
1. Brian Mutua (CC)
2. Ben Salem (CC)
3. William Mwanji
4. Dennis Abukuse
5. Elvis Olukusi
6. Richard Liva
7. Gabriel Ayimba
8. Harmony Wamalwa
9. Festus Shiasi
10. Joel Inzuga
11. Victor Odhiambo
12. Edmund Anya
Head Coach: Louis Kisia
Team Manager: Morgan Ngumbi
Physio: John Elly
