From Perth to a low key reception...Shujaa return

The national rugby sevens team, Shujaa jetted back into the country Tuesday evening to a low-key reception at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after finishing 10^th at the just concluded Perth Sevens in Australia.

The result, which saw Kenya fall to New Zealand in the ninth-place final seemed to have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many rugby enthusiasts; and could have contributed to the cold reception at the airport where nobody turned up to welcome back the players.

By finishing 10^th, Shujaa now have 14 points in the standings  and a ninth-place after a tough 12-19 defeat in a match where they had a 12-7 lead against New Zealand who claimed ninth place finish, to haul points tally to 28 in the series. This result placed the Shujaa in a difficult relegation zone where they have to battle it out to secure a safe spot.

Speaking upon their return, team head coach Kevin Wambua stated thatthey are ready to put up a fight against France, Argentina and Great Britain at Vancouver Sevens and that he believes the team has what it takes to secure a safe spot as the series continues.

The Vancouver series will kick off in February 21-25 at the world-class BC Place Stadium and Kenya is among the teams expected to put up a gallant fight with young talents such as Patrick Odongo and the skipper George Oroo being among the best players in the tournament so far.

By Rhonie Otieno