Morans squad for Africa Rugby named, eyes on gold in Mauritius

The Kenya Sevens Morans head coach Louis Kisia has thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of teams participating in the 2024 Rugby Africa 7s in Mauritius, setting his eyes on securing gold in the championships.

Kisia was speaking during the naming of the official Morans squad where familiar names made a comeback to the team.

Denis Abukuse, William Mwanji and Festus Shiasi all who last featured for the National team in the first leg of the Challenger Series in Dubai made a return to the fold with Shujaa regular Brian Mutua co-captaining the side together with Ben Salem.

“Our target in Mauritius is the gold medal. We want to replicate our performance during the 2023 Rugby Africa 7s tournament. The team knows our objective and they’re ready to conquer Africa for the second year running,” said Louis.

Kisia who doubles up as the Shujaa assistant coach says the preparations have been top notch ahead of the Africa tourney.

“We’ve had sufficient preparations at Kasarani ahead of the Africa 7s this weekend thanks to KRU and NOCK for ensuring the Morans side trains with the Shujaa squad. We have had HP sessions led by the Kenya Sevens SnC Coach Andrew Amonde which have contributed heavily to our preparations for this tournament. We have received input from the head coach on our preparations and I believe the team is ready to roar in Mauritius,” said Louis Kisia.

The former Strathmore Leos tactician had a large pool of talent to pick from, with Joel Inzuga who lastly turned out for the Simbas making a return to the Morans team alongside veteran Edmund Anya, Harmony Wamalwa, Elvis Olukuse and Gabriel Ayimba – The late Benjamin Ayimba’s son making the Morans team for the second time having played in the Safari sevens earlier in the year.

Kenya Morans, who will jet out Thursday evening, are in Pool A alongside hosts Mauritius, Nigeria and Madagascar.

The only new inclusion in the sevens set up is Victor “Mola” Odhiambo who has been in the Kenya 7s Management radar.

He had earlier been called up to the national team but his involvement was hampered by an injury but will now have a chance to prove and endear himself to the Sevens technical bench as he makes the squad for the Mauritius assignment.

The tournament will be held over two weekends, 29th/30th June and 6th/7th July 2024.

Kenya will open their campaign on Saturday with a match against hosts Mauritius at 10:50am local time, before taking on Nigeria at 13:34pm and conclude their pool matches by taking on Madagascar at 16:18pm.

1. Brian Mutua (CC). 2. Ben Salem (CC). 3. William Mwanji. 4. Dennis Abukuse. 5. Elvis Olukusi. 6. Richard Liva. 7. Gabriel Ayimba. 8. Harmony Wamalwa. 9. Festus Shiasi. 10. Joel Inzuga. 11. Victor Odhiambo. 12. Edmund Anya.

Louis Kisia

Morgan Ngumbi

Physio

John Elly