Kevin Wambua calls ‘Shujaa’ Olympic run a learning curve, promises improved performance on world circuit

National rugby sevens head coach Kevin Wambua says they have gained crucial experience after finishing 9th at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

”We had a goal that we dared to dream, we wanted to get out of the group and see if we could challenge the top teams. Unfortunately, that was not the case, but still we are proud. On day 1 we played against Argentina, the champion of the series, and we stayed in that game until the last minute. The same game against Australia shows how much potential the team has. We just need to know how to finish our game better”, said Kevin Wambua.

Kenya defeated Samoa 10-5 in a packed and swinging Stade De France to finish in ninth place. Wambua was impressed with the progress the team had made so far.

”Against Samoa today (Saturday) we were so calm and composed with the ball, our defence was great, so it shows again the potential of the squad, we finished in 9th place.^e “It is not an easy task to participate in the Olympic Games,” Wambua was quick to add.

Kenya has regained its World Sevens series status and will compete in the upcoming 2024/25 season, having competed last year.

“It’s all about building up to the Olympics. We know what we can do. We fell short in the quarter-finals, but in the end, the small steps we’ve taken are the most important,” co-captain Tony Omondi noted.

“We did our best and finished ninth. That’s a good start for the team with relatively young players. We played against quite experienced teams and we are proud,” said Patrick Odongo.

Host nation France were crowned winners of the Rugby Sevens after beating reigning champions Fiji 28-7, while South Africa won their second bronze after beating Australia 26-19 in the third place play-off at the Stade De France.