Nondies coach Callum hails Salem for keeping Shujaa spot

Salem impressed in the 2024 Safari 7s when he turned out for the second-string team, The Morans and was duly promoted to the Shujaa side for the opening leg of the season in Dubai and Oliver says it is sheer hard work and determination that has earned him the slot.

“Ben is a super talented player and one that we are very proud of with regards to the work he has put in and the way he has kept the faith in terms of; he went through a season or so when he wasn’t getting picked and he was devastated but he also learnt and has grown as a player which is super important for us.

"We are very happy to have him in the Shujaa set and we look forward to watching him over the weekend and in the coming months and hopefully he can put everything he has been learning into the field and make the club and Kenya proud, so let’s wait and see what happens,” averred Oliver.

Callum who has been leading the turnaround of fortunes at Nondescripts since they were relegated two seasons ago says the project is finally coming to life, adding there are more players pushing for national team call ups especially in the Fifteens side, the Simbas.

“There are a couple of other players who I think should be there or there about in the national team set up. I think there are two or three players who should be pushing for Simbas selection as well and you only get these rewards when the team is performing.

"This means you’re putting yourself in front of the coaches when things really matter and that’s what we need to do with the rest,” underscored Oliver.

Salem is the only Nondies representative in the Squad recently named for upcoming Perth 7s slated for the weekend of January 24 to 26, in Australia.

Tournament organizers have for the first time in history allocated a dedicated stand to Kenyan fans accentuating Kenya’s huge following in the World Sevens Series.

Kenya are in Pool C alongside heavyweights New Zealand, Fiji and Uruguay.