The Singapore 7s 2025 tournament was nothing short of extraordinary for the Kenya Sevens national team, affectionately known as Shujaa. Despite an agonizingly close defeat to Fiji in the final, their journey was marked by moments of brilliance and ironclad resilience.
Triumphant road to the finals
Before facing their nemesis Fiji, Shujaa delivered a masterful performance against Spain in the semifinals, securing a 12-5 victory. This achievement was a testament to the strides taken under head coach Kevin Wambua. The team demonstrated tactical discipline, greatly limiting Spain’s opportunities throughout the match.
The victory against Spain conjured memories of Shujaa’s historic win in the 2016 Singapore 7s. Patrick Odongo’s early tries and Nygel Amaitsa’s conversion established a comfortable lead that Shujaa guarded fiercely. An impenetrable defense saw them through to the finals, with vital contributions from key players like Vincent Onyala and Brian Tanga.
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Facing Fiji: A tale of hope and heartbreak
Shujaa’s final showdown against Fiji was more than just another match; it was rich with emotional undertones. Leading the team was Jone Kubu, a Fijian-born playmaker now a pivotal figure in Kenyan rugby. This matchup saw Kubu face his birth nation’s team for the first time, adding a layer of personal significance to the game.
Kenya started strong, using their physicality and strategic play to dominate early proceedings. Amaitsa’s converted try gave Shujaa a 7-0 lead at halftime. However, as the second half unfolded, errors surfaced under Fiji’s relentless pressure. Despite these setbacks, Shujaa’s defense was unyielding. Yet Vuivuwa Naduvalo’s agility proved too much as he equalized and later extended Fiji’s lead.
Amid defeat, signs of progress and hope
Fiji’s final score stood at 21-12, marking yet another victory in their 14-match unbeaten streak against Kenya, a record dating back to 2018. Nonetheless, Shujaa’s second-place finish in Singapore provides a glimmer of optimism for their future, affirming their potential to challenge top-tier teams on the global stage.
This outcome, however, doesn’t erase the lingering threat of relegation from the World Sevens Series. Despite their impressive performance, Shujaa finds themselves below the top eight, necessitating a stellar playoff performance to retain their status.
A look ahead: Challenges and opportunities
The current series format demands Shujaa participate in a promotion-relegation playoff, facing off against teams from the Challenger Series. Drawing energy from their Singapore achievements, Kenya must showcase the same grit and growth to ensure they maintain their presence in the world series.
Fans and analysts have expressed hope, acknowledging the tactical evolution that Kevin Wambua has ushered into the team. Shujaa’s ability to maintain clean first halves in all their Singapore encounters emerged as a highlight, underscoring newfound defensive discipline and strategic foresight.
“Kevin Wambua has built a monster. Shujaa is so good defensively, just a little experience and we are good to win the #HSBCSVNS league next year,” a fan opined on social media.
As Shujaa prepares for the impending playoffs, the support and belief from their fans and coaching staff alike remain unwavering. Their Singapore campaign has ignited hopes of not just survival, but eventual triumphs on the world rugby stage.
