Kenya’s national men’s rugby sevens team, Shujaa, has named its squad for the Africa Men’s Sevens tournament in Mauritius, with four players set to make their international debuts as head coach Kevin Wambua continues to blend emerging talent with experienced campaigners.
Patrick Sabatia, Glacious Owino, Dennis Livoi and Lucky Onyango have received their first Shujaa call-ups after impressing during the recently concluded National Sevens Circuit. The quartet will have an opportunity to make their international debuts when Kenya begins its continental campaign in Mauritius.
The 12-man squad will be co-captained by Elvis Olukusi and Rayvone Ambale, while experienced players including Gabriel Ayimba, Brian Mutua, Clinton Amukwachi, David Nyangige, Arnold Agonda and Victor Odhiambo provide additional international experience.
Wambua’s selection represents a mixture of established players and rising talent as Kenya prepares for a demanding two-day tournament scheduled for October 3 and 4 at the SPARC International Rugby Stadium in Cascavelle.
Kenya has been placed in Pool B alongside Namibia, Réunion and Madagascar. Shujaa will open their campaign against Namibia on Saturday at 8:44am East African Time before facing Réunion at 11:50am. Their final pool match will be against Madagascar at 2:40pm.
The inclusion of the four debutants is one of the biggest talking points surrounding the squad.
Sabatia has earned his opportunity after making an impression with Kabras Sugar, while Owino emerged as one of the standout performers on the 2026 National Sevens Circuit. Owino was among the leading try and points scorers at tournaments including Dala Sevens and Kabeberi Sevens.
Livoi and Onyango have also been rewarded for their performances with maiden opportunities at international level.
For the young players, the Mauritius tournament will provide a major test against international opposition and an opportunity to establish themselves within the national setup.
The competition is the second tournament under the revised 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Series. Kenya and South Africa occupy the top two positions in the continental rankings, while the Mauritius tournament will determine the rankings among the participating teams placed below them.
Shujaa are scheduled to depart Kenya on Thursday, October 1, giving the team only a short period to prepare for the tournament.
The Mauritius assignment will also form part of Kenya’s preparations for the 28th edition of Safari Sevens, which will be staged at Nyayo National Stadium from October 9 to 11.
With four players chasing their first international appearances and experienced campaigners returning to the fold, Wambua will be hoping the mixture can deliver a strong continental campaign.
For Sabatia, Owino, Livoi and Onyango, however, the tournament offers something even bigger: the chance to turn a breakthrough call-up into the beginning of their Shujaa careers.
