Shujaa have to give their all in remaining rounds to avoid relegation - Amonde

Former Kenya Sevens captain Andrew Amonde has urged the current team members to give their all in the remaining matches of the season, to avoid relegation from the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Speaking to Citizen Digital ahead of the Hong Kong Sevens which begins this Friday, Amonde expressed confidence with the team, saying they have what it takes to avoid the axe.

“They have to show bravery and fight properly for them to increase their chances of survival. Recently they have shown some good glimpse of determination, they just need to stay focused -be fearless and they will survive,” said Amonde.

Shujaa are in a tough pool D where they face New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa – teams Amonde feels are beatable if basic mistakes are avoided.

“This time they need to be ready to cover each others’ mistakes. Only team work and being fearless against the tough opponents in the group stages will pass the message of hope to the rugby lovers in the country and I believe they can.

“There should be that spirit to something extra, to cover any gap during matches,” stated the former Shujaa captain.

Shujaa will first take on New Zealand at 9.40am on Friday then play their second match of the group on Saturday at 6.28am against Ireland, before winding up the group matches with a clash against South Africa 10.25am

Kenya is 13th in the overall standings with 29 points, one behind 12th-placed Spain with only four rounds left to the end of the season.

The 15th-ranked core team based on accumulated Series points following the 10th round in Toulouse will be relegated.

Teams ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th following the World Series in Toulouse will compete in a four-team relegation playoff.