Ooro and Asati to lead Shujaa at 2025 Safari Sevens

Rugby
By Washington Onyango | Oct 08, 2025
Shujaa captain George Ooro in action at Dubai Sevens. [Kenya Sevens]

Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, has named a strong 13-man squad for the 2025 Safari Sevens tournament set to take place at the Nyayo National Stadium from October 10 to 12.

George Ooro and Samuel Asati will continue to serve as co-captains, having guided their club KCB to victory in the 2025 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit last month.

The experienced duo will lead Shujaa as they seek to successfully defend the Safari Sevens title.

The squad also includes regular stars Vincent Onyala, Kevin Wekesa, Chrisant Ojwang, Patrick Odongo, Daniel Abukuse, Floyd Wabwire, Festus Shiasi, and William Mwanji.

Gabriel Ayimba makes a return to the team for a second straight Safari Sevens, while Jackson Siketi has earned a promotion from Morans, having impressed in the 2024 edition.

Speaking after unveiling the squad, head coach Kevin Wambua said the team selection aims to build both strength and balance ahead of future competitions.

“This year’s Safari Sevens is not just about showcasing talent but about building depth and testing combinations as we prepare for bigger challenges ahead,” Wambua said.

“The blend of experience and debutants gives us balance, and the home fans can expect a feast of rugby.”

The 27th edition of the Safari Sevens will feature 20 teams—12 in the men’s category and eight in the women’s category. It will mark a special return to the historic Nyayo National Stadium for the first time since 2021.

Shujaa head into the tournament as defending champions after beating Shogun 12-0 in last year’s final in Machakos, while Spain’s Costa Blanca Barbarians will return to defend their women’s title.

Share this story
Ooro and Asati to lead Shujaa at 2025 Safari Sevens
Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, has named a strong 13-man squad for the 2025 Safari Sevens tournament
Bwire hopes to cycle to gold at Tokyo Deaflympics
After bagging gold in Turkey triathlon championship in 2021, Brenda Bwire is out to strike gold again at the global stage.
Goal-shy Salah seeks change as Egypt eye World Cup place
Mohamed Salah wants to put a disappointing start to his season with Liverpool behind him on Wednesday and help Egypt beat Djibouti and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Japanese football official sentenced for viewing child sexual abuse images
A senior Japan Football Association official has been sentenced to an 18-month suspended jail term in France after viewing images of child sexual abuse during a plane journey
Gerrard brands failed England generation 'egotistical losers'
Former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes ego and club rivalry prevented the Three Lions from winning international tournaments during his time as a player.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS