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National team to prioritise discipline and defence ahead of return to World Series

Assistant coach Louis Kisia said despite keeping a clean sheet, he believes there is room for improvement.

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by WILLIAM NJUGUNA

Rugby17 October 2024 - 08:09
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In Summary


  • Shujaa completed a hat-trick of consecutive Safari Sevens titles on Sunday and Kisia was delighted both Shujaa and Morans exhibited high-quality rugby on the three days.
  • The squad is expected to resume training next week in readiness for the World Sevens Series opener in Dubai.


Discipline and defensive alignment are some of the areas Shujaa will focus on for the next month ahead of their return to the World Seven Series in Dubai in December.

Speaking on Wednesday, assistant coach Louis Kisia said they have to improve their discipline, especially at the breakdown.

“We gave away too many penalties to Shogun and against top-quality teams in the World Seven Series. It’s an area of concern that must be addressed,” Kisia said.

On defence, Kisia said despite keeping a clean sheet in the final when they beat Shogun 12-0 in the final, he believes there is room for improvement.

“Our one-on-one tackles will need to be better against top-quality teams as well as scrambling defence to ensure our defensive line is not easily breached,” noted Kisia.

Shujaa completed a hat-trick of consecutive Safari Sevens titles on Sunday and Kisia was delighted that both Shujaa and Morans exhibited high-quality rugby on the three days.

“As a technical bench, we are encouraged by the depth we saw. We were without some of our big names and the players delivered to ensure they retained the trophy for the third time,” he observed.

Kisia singled speedster Floyd Wabwire in the Morans’ side for his searing pace and ability to find space in tight corners.

“ He was exceptional. He took his chance and is one player who put his hand up alongside Festus Shiasi in the Morans squad and Ben Salem for Shujaa. Salem took his chance with a superb display in the final against Shogun in the final,” added Kisia.

Co-captains Vincent Onyala and Tony Onyango are expected to be fit for the Dubai Sevens in December while John Okoth and Brian Tanga are sidelined until the new year, according to Kisia as they recover from Tibia and wrist injuries respectively.

Kabras’ Lamech Ambetsa and Nakuru’s Chrisant Ojwang, who missed the tournament to due to hamstring injuries are expected to be assessed in the coming days.

The squad is expected to resume training next week in readiness for the World Sevens Series opener in Dubai.

From Dubai, the team will then head to Cape Town for the second leg of the series. 

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