A 25-man Shujaa provisional training squad will be named after the national seven-series, assistant coach Louis Kisia has announced.
The tactician said the management has been keeping an eye on the ongoing National Sevens Circuit and he is encouraged by the talent pool of players coming through the ranks.
“It's been good so far. We have new talent emerging and we expect more players to put their hand up in the course of the next three legs,” added Kisia.
The players, who have excelled at the Sevens series so far, are—Amon Wamalwa, Lucky Dewald (Quins), Jackson Siketa (Kabras), Javan Otieno (Nakuru) and Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oil).
Kisia said the checklist for forwards is the height and weight in the mould of players like John Okoth, who plays for the Menengai Oilers.
"Looking ahead, our forwards need to have that height and bulk. From the experience we had in the Olympics, a case in point was the match against Argentina and Australia, who had multifaceted forwards who could win the kickoff reception as well as doing their core roles,” added Kisia
Kisia said the players selected to the squad must be mentally and physically ready for a gruelling challenge in the World Seven Series slated for December.
“ Yes, as a country, we may have the talent but the World Sevens Series stage is very unforgiving and players called up have to be physically and mentally ready for the tough challenge that awaits them," said Kisia.
The former Strathmore Leos and Mwamba coach termed the Olympics an eye-opener for not only the players but also the technical bench.
“The entire experience has given us insights and areas where we need to improve as a team from the facets of the game to strength and conditioning. The agility and endurance are what our players need at the highest level.”
Kisia expressed hope that Morans will get an opportunity to play in satellite Sevens tournaments for the 2024-2025 season.
“It's long overdue and we need to create depth for our second team. We can't be sending them to play a tournament after one week of training and expect good results,” noted Kisia.
Kisia was referencing the dismal performance at the Africa Cup Sevens held in Mauritius, where the team finished sixth overall in June.
