‘Baba’ lauds Kenya Lionesses' ‘textbook rugby’ despite Safari Sevens loss

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RUGBY ‘Baba’ lauds Kenya Lionesses' ‘textbook rugby’ despite Safari Sevens loss

Joel Omotto 20:00 - 19.11.2023

The former Prime Minister was left impressed by the Kenya Lionesses’ display even after watching them suffer a narrow defeat to Uganda in the Safari Sevens final

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has expressed his admiration for the Kenya Lionesses despite their 15-12 loss to Uganda in the cup final of the Safari Sevens tournament in Nairobi.

Raila, popularly known as Baba’, was among fans who thronged RUFEA grounds in Nairobi to watch the two-day tournament which culminated in the final on Sunday where the men’s side Shujaa retained their title after thrashing Samurai 19-0.

Uganda Lady Cranes scored three unconverted tries while Kenya Lionesses managed two, one converted, to end the match on the losing side but the former Prime Minister was impressed by what he saw.

“We want to congratulate the Lionesses, they have shown real skill almost textbook rugby. They have shown what can be done with talent and good practice,” Raila said after the trophy presentation.

“We also want to congratulate Shujaa. They have one or two things to learn from the Lionesses. We congratulate our brothers from South Africa and Uganda. Uganda is not a traditional rugby nation but they are coming up.”

There were no such troubles in the men’s side, however, as a Patrick Odongo-inspired Shujaa brushed aside Samurai in the cup final.

Odongo scored two tries, one converted, either side of Kevin Wekesa’s converted touch down, as Kevin Wambua’s men made light work of their opponents to retain their crown.

The Daystar Falcons star continued from where he left at the Olympics qualifiers where he was the man of the match as Kenya beat South Africa to secure their place at the Paris 2024 Games.