Kenya's Shujaa rout Australia to win Safaricom 7s crown

Kenya’s first string side Shujaa celebrate after beating Australia to win the Safaricom 7s rugby  overall trophy at Kasarani, on Sunday. [PHOTO:MARTIN MUKANGU/STANDARD]

By BS MULAVI

The Safaricom Sevens defied all odds to prove its status as Africa’s most prestigious rugby event.

Kenya was rocked on Saturday with news of an armed attack at one of Kenya’s biggest shopping malls, Westgate, which consequently led to established organisations like Village Market and Nakumatt Holdings closing all their outlets.

The Safaricom Sevens, which is known to attract large crowds, was expected to follow suit, but in a brave move and a bold statement to potential terrorists the Safaricom Sevens went on at the Moi International Centre, Kasarani. The Safaricom Sevens defied all odds to prove its status as Africa’s most prestigious rugby event.

The event organisers proved that they would not be cowed by threats from terrorists and would instead continue with the spirit of Kenyan unity and togetherness.

In a statement, the Kenya Rugby Union chairman Mwangi Muthee said they opted to go on with the tournament to help in spreading the message of love and to defy the efforts of the attackers to disrupt Kenyans’ daily lives.

The second day of the tournament saw the final stages being played with Kenya’s first string side Shujaa beating Australia 40-7 to lift the overall trophy.

Speaking after the emphatic victory, Kenya interim coach Felix Ochieng’ said they were elated by the victory, but they still felt there was work to be done before they can play in the first leg of the International Rugby Board Sevens circuit.

“It was good to win today and some of the players have really come out,” said Ochieng.

“We have seen Billy Odhiambo play really well,  raising his hands up for selection in the National Sevens team ahead of the Gold Coast Sevens in Australia,” he added.

Meanwhile Kenya’s second string side Morans finished fourth after losing 12-7 to Western Province of South Africa.

In the Bowl competition, Western Bulls lost to Grenoble 12-10 in a tight final. Speaking after the victory Western Bulls captain-Bram Shikanda said: “Although we lost, we played very well. The team comprises young players and I am proud of the performance. We gave our best in each and every game and reaching the Bowl final was not easy.”

On the other side Grenoble coach Chaix Pierre expressed his joy at the victory, The competition was very tough, but we played as a team; defended well and the spirit of playing together was fantastic.

“The tournament has actually evolved and Saturday’s crowd was just amazing. The level of competition has gone high and we are happy to have been here.”

In the shield competition, Uganda proved too strong for Homeboyz Rugby, whom they whitewashed 33-0 in a one sided affair.–

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