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The Nairobian

Edmund Anya returns as Shujaa squad for Africa Sevens is named

Rugby

By Washington Onyango | Jun 27, 2024

Edmund Anya, who last played for the Kenya Sevens when Shujaa was relegated from the 2023 World Sevens Series, makes a highly anticipated return to the squad for the upcoming Africa Men’s Sevens tournament.

Scheduled to take place in Mauritius over two weekends, June 29-30 and July 6-7, the tournament will see the Morans, Kenya’s second-tier team, representing the nation as the main Kenya Sevens squad focuses on Olympic preparations.

Anya's comeback is a significant boost for the team, as he brings valuable experience and skill after spending time in the United Kingdom.

He will be joined by Victor Mola, a standout performer in local tournaments who was the top try scorer in the Great Rift 10s and previously earned the Most Promising Player award at the Dala Sevens. Mola's Strathmore Leos teammate, Richard Liva, also joins the squad, adding further strength to the lineup.

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Amon Wamalwa, instrumental in helping Kenya Sevens qualify for the 2022 World Cup, also returns to the squad. Alongside him are Joel Inzuga and Gabriel Ayimba, who bring their expertise to the team.

Brian Mutua, part of the 13-man squad that secured World Core status, is another key inclusion. The team will be captained by Benson Salem Adoyo, whose leadership is expected to galvanize the squad throughout the tournament.

The squad also sees the return of Denis Abukuse, William Mwanji, and Festus Shiasi, all of whom last featured for the national team during the first leg of the Challenger Series in Dubai. Their reintegration is expected to bolster the team’s overall performance and depth.

Kenya, headlining Pool A, will face Madagascar, Nigeria, and host nation Mauritius. The competition promises to be intense, with each match crucial for Kenya's aspirations in the tournament.

The squad’s composition reflects a strategic balance of returning veterans and promising newcomers, as Kenya aims to showcase its depth and resilience on the international stage.

The Morans' participation in the Africa Sevens provides a vital platform for these players to gain valuable experience and prove their mettle, especially with the primary squad focusing on Olympic preparations.

Head coach Kevin Wambua expressed confidence in the selected players, emphasizing their readiness and potential to excel in Mauritius.

"We have a solid mix of experienced players and exciting young talent. The Morans have been preparing diligently, and I believe they are ready to take on the challenges ahead," said Wambua.

The Africa Men’s Sevens tournament is not only an opportunity for the Morans to shine but also a crucial step in Kenya’s broader rugby ambitions.

Success in Mauritius could pave the way for further development and visibility for Kenyan rugby, reinforcing the country's status as a competitive force in the sevens format.

As the team heads to Mauritius, fans and supporters back home will be eagerly watching and cheering for their success.

The tournament will undoubtedly test the mettle of the Morans, but with seasoned players like Anya and emerging stars like Mola, the squad is poised to make a significant impact.