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Kenya Sevens started the 2024 Challenger Series in brilliant fashion when they claimed the cup win in Dubai but what were the take-homes from their good run?
Kenya Sevens started their journey back to the World Sevens Series by collecting maximum points in the opening leg of the 2024 Challenger Series in Dubai at the weekend.
Shujaa beat Chile 12-5 in the cup final to lift the trophy which leaves them top of the standings with 20 points and came out of the tournament with five wins and one defeat.
It means Kenya are in the driving seat as the Challenger Series moves to Montevideo, Uruguay for the second of three rounds (from March 8-10).
Kenya will have to maintain the good run as the top four teams in the standings at the end of the third round in May will take their place alongside the bottom four teams from Sevens World Series in the promotion-relegation tournament at the Grand Final in Madrid.
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17:30 - 14.01.2024
RUGBY Odongo dazzles as Shujaa claim Dubai Challenger Series title, Lionesses fall to China
Patrick Odongo scored two tries in the final to help Kenya Sevens win the Dubai Challenger Series Cup title
Shujaa’s win was not a surprise to many given how they have recollected themselves since being relegated last May.
They won the Africa Sevens to qualify for the Paris Olympics before retaining their Safari Sevens crown and headed to Dubai high on confidence.
Following their great outing in Dubai, what lessons can be drawn from their performances?
Patrick Odongo the real deal
Only one place to start. Patrick Odongo has been a revelation ever since his man of the tournament display at the Africa Sevens and he delivered again in Dubai.
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07:55 - 14.01.2024
RUGBY Lionesses coach in awe of their character following monumental Challenger Series semis place
Kenya Lionesses coach Dennis Mwanja has expressed happiness at his side’s grit after sealing a semi-final place at the ongoing Challenger Series
The 21-year-old, christened the new Collins Injera, lived up to the billing, delivering 11 tries in the tournament to extend his great run.
Odongo was crucial for Kenya with his lung-bursting runs down the flanks proving a thorn in the flesh for the opposition.
Just like in the Olympics qualifiers and Safari Sevens, the Daystar Falcons player came up trumps in the final yet again, delivering a brace of tries to hand Kenya the win.
He will get stronger and stronger as the series continues and rugby fans already cannot wait to see him tear it up in the World Series.
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18:00 - 14.01.2024
RUGBY First Nakuru derby win gives Menengai Oilers hope for impressive campaign
Menengai Oilers’ confidence has been further boosted by their first derby win over local rivals Nakuru and they believe a Kenya Cup title is within reach
Wambua getting it right
Shujaa coach Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua has wasted no time to get his imprint onto the team and it is surprising how quickly the players have bought into his methods given their struggles last season.
Wambua’s predecessor Damian McGrath failed to get a tune out of a number of players currently in the setup but Wambua has them playing exciting rugby.
Their passing, defence and orgainisation has massively improved. It helps that Wambua has been on the technical bench of Shujaa in the past and also worked as the Kenya U20 coach previously which might have given him an insight into some of the players in the team.
Previous coaches have struggled when left with a squad full of youngsters but ‘Bling’ has got the current team producing results which can only get better in future.
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15:02 - 13.01.2024
RUGBY Wambua pinpoints Shujaa improvements to be made in quarters clash against Japan
Shujaa itching to make ammends ahead of crunch quaters later on Saturday at 6:05 PM
Anthony Omondi’s influence
Poorly taken conversions have cost Shujaa points previously but Anthony Omondi seems to have started correcting that.
Still a rough diamond, Omondi’s kicking was impressive as he managed a total of 12 conversions in Dubai.
Shujaa have not had a reliable kicker since the exit of Lavin Asego but Omondi could be the man to take over if he maintains his standards as the two extra points will be vital in games where the margins are so tight.
As Kenya eyes an instant return to the top flight, we will also have to learn how to do it under pressure.
Shujaa not the finished article
Even as they revel in their great outing in Dubai, Shujaa know there is still a lot of work before they can take on the big boys.
They received a reality check against Germany who exposed some of their problems but luckily it was in the final group game.
Germany’s good kicks, powerful carries, dummies and wide play saw Kenya easily lose possession and their shape and better teams will do the same if it does not change quickly.
Instant top flight return possible
It’s only the start but Shujaa fans have every right to dream. The manner in which Kenya capitulated last year was hard to watch but the way they are coming up is exciting.
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09:32 - 13.01.2024
RUGBY Kenya Sevens reveal desire for a quick return to World Series behind flying start at Challenger Series
Kenya Sevens players and coach feel the need to quickly bounce back to the World Series is what is driving them to post impressive results at the 2024 Challenger Series
What’s more, they have what matters, points on the board. Maximum points in Dubai means they will head to the next round in confident mood, knowing they can beat anyone.
On the flipside, their good performances will make them favourites and hence the main targets. Whether they can live with the pressure of expectations remains to be seen but the early signs look good.
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