This weekend we are back for the exciting, eye-catching, big hits magical steps and all round good and entertaining rugby at the Safari Sevens. The fans and the players are all anticipating a great atmosphere at this weekend all packed rugby action at the Machakos Stadium. 

During last year's tournament, held at the RFUEA Grounds along Ngong' Road, Kenya’s Shujaa emerged victorious in the men's category. The red hot Shujaa remained undefeated throughout the competition. They were the best team defensively, as no team managed to score more than a single try against their defense. 

Shujaa exhibited exceptional on-ball and off-ball skills throughout the tournament. The Kenyan team displayed a ruthless attack, scoring an average of four tries per match. Shujaa's impressive performance during the tournament included 26 tries. Their discipline was evident with data showing a low penalty count of only 16 for the entire competition. 

Can Shujaa maintain their winning streak and defend their title this weekend?

Shujaa’s Squad

The Shujaa head coach, Kevin Wambua has reshuffled his squad with the most noticeable changes being the two co-captains Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi being left out of the squad. Other absentees include Kevin Wekesa (Kabras), Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos) and Brian Tanga (Kabras) who have been a major part of the squad.

Coach Wambua has named a twelve-man squad heading to the tournament including three debutants, Philip Okeyo (Nakuru RFC), Felix Okoth (Nakuru RFC) and Gabriel Ayimba (Strathmore Leos). George Ooro (Strathmore Leos) and Samuel Asati (KCB) will be the co-captains of the team. 

Dennis Abukuse (Oilers), Patrick Odongo (Daystar Falcons), William Mwanji (Kabras), Benson Salem (Nondescript RFC), Brian Mutugi (Mwamba RFC) and Daniel Taabu (Mwamba RFC) make up the rest of the squad for the weekend.

Safari 7s Pools, Morans and Kenya Lionesses

Morans were eliminated from the main cup quarterfinals by Germany (14-17) but rebounded to win the ninth playoffs final against KCB (26-0). KCB were the overall champions of the Sportpesa Sevens last year. Kenya Harlequins, having won the  this year's Sportpesa Sevens, will be competing in place of KCB.

Other teams in attendance of the Safari Sevens in Machakos are Uganda, Zimbabwe, Lions Rugby, Qatar, Redwailers, Shogun and Varsity select. 

The tournament will have two pools. Pool A will consist of Shujaa, Zimbabwe, Lions Rugby, Qatar, and Varsity Select. Pool B will feature Uganda, Morans, Kenya Harlequins, Shogun, and Red Wailers.

In the women's category, the Kenya Lionesses will be determined to avenge last year’s loss to Uganda in the women's final. The Lionesses had gotten the better of Uganda in the pools but lost in the final narrowly to Uganda 15-12.

The women's category will be played in a round Robin.  The following teams will compete in the women's category: Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Uganda, Shogun, Uganda 2, and Costablanca Barbarians.