Shujaa finish 10th at Hong Kong Sevens

Shujaa fly half Nygel Amaitsa (center) competes for the ball against South Africa at Hong Kong Sevens. [World Rugby]

Kenya Sevens mixed run at the second last leg of the 2024-2025 HSBC SVNS ended on Sunday after finishing a distant 10th at the Hong Kong Sevens.

This is after Shujaa conceded a last minute try to go down to South Africa 19-17 in the ninth-place final playoffs played at the Kai Tak Stadium.

The East Africans had a poor start to the match after finding themselves trailing 12-0.

Shilton van Wyk gave South Africa an early lead with a try in the opening minute before youngster Gino Cupido broke away down the right wing to score the second try that extended the Blitzboks lead to 12-0.

Kenya responded with captain Samuel Asati setting up Nygel Amaitsa for a converted try to cut the deficit to 12-7.

Moments later, Amaitsa executed a well-placed grabber kick, chased it down, and scored to tie the game at 12-12 before halftime.

In the final half, Shujaa took the lead when Patrick Odongo picked a well-executed offload from Jone Kubu to sprint over for a 17-12 advantage.

However, South Africa fought back, with Siviwe Soyizwapi scoring a crucial try that would be converted by Dewald Human for a 19-17 win.

Kenya remain in the relegation zone with 18 points. The 10th finish saw them accumulate only three points.