Onyala rallies Shujaa ahead Germany match in Dubai

Kenya Sevens captain Vincent Onyala has rallied his teammates to maintain their tempo and hunger ahead of their final preliminary stage match against Germany on Saturday at the ongoing World Rugby Challenger Series in Dubai.

Shujaa, led by Vincent Onyala, on Friday made a formidable start at the ongoing series which will act as a qualifier to the 2024-2025 World Rugby Sevens Series.

This is following their impressive performances against Mexico and Uganda.

Shujaa kicked off their campaign with a resounding 41-0 victory over Mexico. The match saw standout performances from Patrick Odongo and Kevin Wekesa, each scoring a brace, while Vincent Onyala and John Okoth also made significant contributions to the scoreline.

The team's dominance was evident as they led 22-0 at halftime, with further tries in the second half cementing their victory.

The momentum continued as Shujaa then faced Uganda, their regional rivals. Nygel Amaitsa shone with a brace of tries, helping Kenya to a commanding 29-7 win. The team showcased a balanced mix of strength and skill, with co-captain Anthony Omondi making two crucial conversions.

Heading into their final pool match against Germany, both teams stand at six points, although Shujaa boasts a superior aggregate. Germany, having also defeated Uganda and Mexico, poses a formidable challenge.

Vincent Onyala, reflecting on the team's performance and looking ahead to the Germany match, stated, “It’s a good start and the cruise is nice, which means we are ticking our boxes right. We just need to stick to our plan.”

Onyala's leadership and optimism are pivotal as the team strives to replicate their success from the Safari Sevens semi-finals last November, where they emerged victorious against Germany.

As the Challenger Series progresses, Kenya aims to be among the top four finishers to qualify for the 2024/2025 World Rugby Sevens Series. The team's blend of experienced players and emerging talent under Onyala's guidance seems poised to make a significant impact in Dubai and beyond​.