Shujaa land in Miramas for Paris Olympics final preparations

The Kenya Sevens rugby national team has arrived in Miramas, France, marking the beginning of their final preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Shujaa touched down on Tuesday, July 9, afternoon with their sights set on making a significant impact at the upcoming Games.

Coach Kevin Wambua has maintained a consistent squad for the Olympics. With 10 debutants, he has opted for the same players who secured the team's qualification and earned them a spot in the World Sevens Series. By keeping the team largely unchanged, Wambua aims to harness the squad's cohesion and familiarity with the crucial Olympic challenge.

“The team has been in camp, and we are pleased with how well we have gelled together. Each player has shown dedication and commitment, both on and off the field. We are ready to give our very best at the Olympics. Our preparation has been intense, focusing on refining our skills and strategies. We are determined to proudly represent Kenya and aim to make a significant impact in Paris. With the support of our fans and the nation behind us, we are confident in our abilities and look forward to competing at the highest level,” said Kevin Wambua

Shujaa finds itself in Pool B, alongside Samoa, Australia, and Argentina.

Shujaa have arrived in Miramas for their overseas training Camp ????

Let's get to work lads ?? #TeamKenya #HesabikaNaMabingwa pic.twitter.com/BrmW79By0y — TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) July 9, 2024

Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi will co-captain the squad. John Okoth, Kevin Wekesa, George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Nigel Amaitsa, Brian Tanga, Patrick Odongo, Lamech Ambetsa, Chrisant Ojwang, and Herman Humwa will also join the squad. Festus Shiasi and Dennis Abukuse are the travelling reserves, while Brian Mutugi is the training reserve. Mutugi will stay with the team during their training camp in Miramas but will return home once the squad heads to the Olympic Village.

Before departing for France, the team had their final training session in Kenya on Monday. This appearance marks Shujaa's third consecutive Olympics, although they have yet to progress beyond the group stages in the previous editions. The camp has a palpable sense of optimism that this year's squad will achieve better results.

Shujaa squad to Olympics:

1. Vincent Onyala (CC)
2. Tony Omondi (CC)
3. John Okoth
4. Kevin Wekesa
5. George Ooro
6. Samuel Asati
7. Nigel Amaitsa
8. Brian Tanga
9. Patrick Odongo
10. Lamec Ambetsa
11. Chrisant Ojwang
12. Herman Humwa

Traveling Reserves: 13. Festus Shiasi 14. Dennis Abukuse

The Olympic Sevens rugby tournament is scheduled to begin two days before the opening ceremony. The men's matches are set for July 24, 25, and 27, followed by the women's competition from July 28 to 30.

Shujaa will kick off their campaign against Argentina on July 24, followed by matches against Australia and Samoa.