Former Kenya Sevens captain Humphrey Kayange has praised the rebuilding process within the Kenya Sevens setup, saying the emergence of young talent and growing squad depth are encouraging signs as Shujaa work on their return to the HSBC SVNS Main Division.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsKenya’s rebuilding journey began in May 2023 when Shujaa suffered relegation from the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series after losing 12-7 to Canada in the relegation playoff final at Twickenham Stadium in London on May 20. The defeat ended Kenya’s two-decade stay among the series’ core teams.The setback prompted sweeping changes to the technical bench, with Kevin Wambua appointed head coach on 4 August, 2023, replacing Damian McGrath, whose tenure lasted 14 months.Meet South Africa's fleet-footed beast who left fans in awe at 2026 Safari 7sLouis Kisia was named assistant coach as Kenya embarked on a rebuilding exercise aimed at restoring the team’s competitiveness on the international stage.Wambua inherited a side that had lost several of its most experienced players, including Collins Injera, William Ambaka and Billy Odhiambo, to retirement.His first assignment was the Africa Cup, where he opted for a youthful squad, retaining only three experienced players in Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi and Herman Humwa.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027920##The new-look team provided opportunities for emerging players such as Patrick Odongo, Samuel Asati, and Nygel Amaitsa, laying the foundation for a new generation of Shujaa players.In his first outing, he won the Africa Men’s 7s after defeating rivals South Africa in the final and sealed a direct Olympic qualification.Nearly three years into the rebuilding process, the results are becoming increasingly evident, with the growing pool of talent providing renewed optimism for Kenyan rugby.How Kenyan International Amaitsa influenced Agonda's rugby careerThe depth of the programme was on full display at the Safari 7s, where Shujaa and their feeder side, Kenya Morans, met in an all-Kenyan final on Sunday, 11 October.Shujaa emerged victorious with a 24-5 win to retain the title, but the presence of two competitive Kenyan sides in the final offered a bigger statement about the country’s growing talent pool.Kayange said the lack of depth had been one of the factors behind the country’s relegation, making the emergence of young players capable of competing at a high level particularly encouraging.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027948##“That is what we have been talking about for a while now. When we went down during the HSBC, we spoke about the depth; bringing players in, and it took some time. It has taken like two years now, going into the third year, and you can see the young players playing at that level and performing the way they did. The team in Mauritius was a perfect example, but that is not the end,” Kayange said.Shujaa’s performance at the Safari 7s was particularly impressive given the quality of the emerging talent and the absence of experienced leaders Vincent Onyala and Kevin Wekesa.Clinton Amukwachi opens up on toughest moments during injury rehabilitationYoungsters Rayvone Ambale of Kabras Sugar and Victor ‘Mola’ Odhiambo of Strathmore Leos were among the standout performers, while Gabriel Ayimba and KCB’s Elvis Olukusi, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, also made significant contributions.Menengai Oilers playmaker Glacious Nganya further demonstrated his attacking threat, proving difficult for opposition defenses to contain him throughout the three-day tournament.The Morans also showcased the strength of Kenya’s wider player pool, with Daystar Falcons captain Clinton Amukwachi impressing with his physicality and powerful runs.##NAJAVA_MECA_10027934##Kabras scrum-half Michael Lukusi, 19, stood out with his quick service and sharp distribution, while Mwamba fly-half Dennis Ndayala, Kabras forward Matthias Osimbo and Arnold Agonda also strengthened their cases for greater involvement in the national setup.The competition between the two sides presents Wambua with a selection dilemma as he prepares to name his squad for the upcoming HSBC SVNS 2 campaign.With Shujaa’s established players facing competition from a growing crop of young talent, the coach has more options than at the start of the rebuilding process.Talanta Stadium confirmed for first major international sporting eventFor Kayange, however, the focus should extend beyond immediate results to ensuring Kenya establishes a sustainable pipeline of players who can keep the national team competitive over the long term.“We continue to build like that so the pipeline of 7s continues to have young players as well as experienced players, ensuring that the team is stable,” he added.
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