IT'S TIME

Shujaa face Argentina test in Olympic Games opener

Shujaa target the quarterfinals after an underwhelming campaign in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, where they placed 11th and ninth respectively.

In Summary

• Argentina are the World Sevens Series champions and Olympic bronze medallists from Tokyo four years ago.

• Shujaa are coming off a high having reclaimed World Seven Series core status in Madrid last month when they beat Germany 33-15.

Kenya Sevens playmaker Samuel Asati prepares to pass to a teammate during a match against Chile during the Challenger Sevens series in Uruguay.
Kenya Sevens playmaker Samuel Asati prepares to pass to a teammate during a match against Chile during the Challenger Sevens series in Uruguay.

Shujaa face a litmus test against Argentina in the opening match of the Paris Olympic Games at the Stade De France in Paris at 5 pm (EAT).

Argentina are the World Sevens Series champions and Olympic bronze medallists from Tokyo four years ago.

Shujaa target the quarterfinals after an underwhelming campaign in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, where they placed 11th and ninth respectively.

Speaking on Tuesday, Wambua said the boys are mentally and physically ready after concluding their training camp in Miramas, where the squad has been for the past fortnight.

“It's been a solid campaign. We have worked on everything. It's all about execution. Argentina are a quality side. We have watched their footage and videos and we will go all out for a win,” noted Wambua.

The Mwamba RFC tactician believes his charges will have to be near perfect at kick-off reception, setpiece and defence if they are to get the better of the South Americans.

"They are a physical side, who have the X-factor. We also have our quality players, who can cause problems. It's going to be a very competitive match," said Mwamba.

Shujaa are coming off a high having reclaimed World Seven Series core status in Madrid last month when they beat Germany 33-15.

Wambua believes his charges can carry that momentum to the Olympics.

"We have been on a journey and the boys have the drive and ambition to do well. Our mantra has always been one match at a time,” said Wambua.

The two sides have met 28 times since the inception of the World Sevens Series in 1999 with the South Americans winning 20 times against Kenya's seven and a draw.

The last meeting between both sides came at the Cape Town Sevens in 2022 with Argentina winning 19-5.

The key players for the Argentina side are speedster Marcos Moneta, Gaston Revol, German Schulz and Rodrigo Isgro.

Shujaa will face Australia in their second preliminary match at 8 pm. Australia holds the head-to-head advantage with 16 wins to Kenya's six.

Shujaa beat the Aussies 12-7 in the last meeting between the two at the 2023 Vancouver Sevens in Canada.

Shujaa's final match will be against Samoa on Thursday 3 pm with the classification matches set for Thursday and Friday.

The semifinals and final are set for Saturday.