Abukuse downplays individual targets as Shujaa chase top-eight finish in Valladolid

Kenya Sevens utility player Dennis Abukuse has downplayed personal ambitions ahead of HSBC SVNS Championship action in Valladolid, Spain, insisting Shujaa’s focus is firmly on securing a top-eight finish in the opening leg of the competition.

Abukuse said the team’s priority is to build momentum in the first round as they continue their bid to return to the top tier of the revamped World Rugby Sevens structure.

His remarks come during a rebuilding phase for the Kenya national rugby sevens team following World Rugby’s restructuring of the HSBC SVNS format, which reduced the elite division from 12 to eight core teams for the 2025–26 season while introducing a clearer promotion and relegation pathway through Division 2 and the Championship tier.

Kenya dropped from the elite bracket after finishing outside the top eight during the 2024–25 campaign despite showing flashes of promise across the circuit.

Among their notable performances was a commanding 24-5 victory over Canada in Los Angeles, although inconsistent results in Dubai, Perth and Hong Kong ultimately cost them automatic retention.

Bukusi maintained that team objectives outweigh individual milestones as Shujaa target progression from the opening leg before pushing for a podium finish in the second round in Bordeaux, France.

“My expectations for this tournament are not much, just to help the team contain the top eight in the first leg. If we achieve top eight in the first leg, we look to get a podium finish in the second,” said Abukuse.

The versatile back added that discipline within the team structure remains central to his role under the current technical setup. “Personally, I am on the KPIs that the coach has set, just playing the system. If an opportunity comes, I score; if not, I help the next person score,” he said.

Abukuse also reflected on previous near misses in knockout qualification, saying the squad has focused heavily on concentration and game management after losing crucial matches in the dying moments.

“The last time we had an opportunity to go to the semis, in the last ten seconds to the final whistle, they scored, and we didn’t qualify. This time we have done our homework, and in the fourteen minutes we have, we will push to the very end,” he noted.

Co-captain George Ooro echoed the confidence within camp while acknowledging the support around the national team setup. “Thanks to sponsors and management. We plan to man up in the coming two weekends,” said Ooro.

Meanwhile, co-captain Samuel Asati admitted preparations had been condensed following recent assignments in São Paulo and Hong Kong, but expressed confidence that the squad has adapted quickly ahead of the tournament. Shujaa have been drawn in Pool A alongside South Africa, Australia and Great Britain.

Kenya will open their Valladolid campaign against Australia on Friday at 1:12 pm EAT before taking on South Africa later the same day at 6:08 pm. They will conclude their pool matches against Great Britain on Saturday at 2:01 pm. The squad is targeting a strong start in Spain ahead of the second leg in Bordeaux scheduled for June 5–7.