The moment finally came in Paris. Kenya celebrated, and the world was happy. It was a hard-earned team victory for Shujaa on the international stage after battling Uruguay down to extra time to win 19-14.
The win was both necessary and well-earned. Amid ongoing protests between the youth and the government, Shujaa showed the world how to “Anguka Nayo.” Team Kenya transformed adversity into joy, dancing to this Kenyan Gen Z anthem, resonating deeply with the people.
Shujaa (meaning courageous) would shake off a disheartening start in their Olympics 2024 campaign to secure their place in the Olympics in Paris on Thursday night.
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Shujaa needed a golden point in extra time after Uruguay scored late in the game to tie at 14-14, and 20-year-old Patrick Odongo responded. The Daystar University ace salvaged Kenya with an emphatic sprint from halfway (against the run of play) in a nail-biting encounter to contend for the 9th spot.
The fighting spirit of a young, inexperienced but hungry Shujaa showed what Kenya is all about—grit and endurance—as the rest of Paris backed Kenyan fans in rallying Shujaa to victory.
Pooled with Argentina, one of the emerging forces in rugby, Australia, a country synonymous with rugby, and Samoa, which has a deep rugby tradition, made for a challenging outing for Kenya.
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Kenya lost all their Pool B games, falling to Argentina 31-12, Australia 21-7, and Samoa 26-0. Their ninth-place playoff victory over Uruguay sets up a second date with Samoa, who trounced Japan 42-7.
Indiscipline and costly errors have been Shujaa’s kryptonite in Paris, as multiple sin bins forced the six men on the pitch to put their extra burners, compromising their endurance and leading to momentary lapses in focus while their opponents were in clutch.
This young Shujaa, who earned Kenya promotion back to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, has immense raw potential that head coach Kevin Wambua is working tirelessly at sharpening his young ambitious side, will have this in mind as they regroup ahead of their next fixture.
Kenya returns to the field on Saturday at 6:00 PM to face Samoa, aiming for a possible 9th place finish, that will equal Shujaa’s Tokyo 2020 performance.
Shujaa may have lost their three opening games; however, the result doesn’t nearly tell the full story of their ability, and despite a win being the most important stat of the night, Shujaa is the team to watch and with more time and investment, could pull Kenyan rugby to greater heights.
So let’s not rule out Shujaa just yet. With consistency and fewer distractions off the pitch, this young team of ambitious players barely at their peak might just keep winning and entertaining the world with their irresistible celebrations.
For now, let’s see if they can redeem themselves against Samoa. Before then, Shujaa will join their fellow Kenyan teammates for the grand opening ceremony on the streets of Paris.
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