Shujaa, Lionesses squads named ahead of HSBC SVNS

David Nyangige is the surprise inclusion in Coach Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua’s squad announced on Monday as Shujaa gear up for the HSBC SVNS Series this weekend at Nyayo National Stadium.

The 12-man squad will be captained by George Nyaoro, with Samuel Asati serving as co-captain. Other players named include John Okoth, Dennis Abukuse, veteran Vincent Onyala, Kevin Wekesa, Patrick Odongo, Festus Shiasi, Nygel Amaitsa, Floyd Wabwire, and Christant Ojwang.

Coach Wambua expressed confidence in his squad ahead of the highly anticipated matches, noting the energy the home crowd will bring, especially with tickets already sold out.

"The pressure we shall receive is very welcome. Abroad, we draw energy from the Kenyan corner, and this weekend, the whole stadium is the Kenya corner. We are confident this will push us forward during our games," Wambua said.

Vice-captain Samuel Asati shared his excitement about playing on home soil.

"It is personally an honour to play at home this weekend. We will try our best to make the country proud as we vie for qualification to the top tier, Division One," Asati said.

Meanwhile, Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has handed call-ups to Marvel Oswago and Charity Nilah. They join Naomi Amumgumi, Maureen Muritu, Sheila Chajira [Captain], Sinaida Nyacho, Edith Nariaka, Freshia Oduor [Co-Captain], Grace Okulu, and Stella Wafula and Pheobe Akinyi.

Odongo praised the experience that the international players bring to the squad.

"We are expecting to raise the flag high this weekend as we play in front of our home fans," he said.

In the opening matches, Shujaa will face Canada, Belgium, Germany, Uruguay, and the USA, while the Lionesses will take on Brazil, China, South Africa, Argentina, and Spain.

The games kick off on February 14, marking the start of both teams’ campaigns to qualify for Division One this season. Currently in Division Two, Kenya’s squads have the chance to reach the top tier with a top-four finish across the three-leg tournament, the first of which takes place at home.

Equally, the Kenyan Rugby Union’s youth and talent development programme received a boost with the Kenyan Power Lighting Company (KPLC) pledging KSh 3 million to support grassroots initiatives. KPLC representatives emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent to secure the future of Kenyan rugby.

Full Squads

Shujaa:

George Ooro(Captain)

Samuel Asati (Co Captain)

John Okoth

Dennis Abukuse

Vincent Onyala

Kevin Wekesa

Patrick Odongo

Festus Shiasi

Nygel Amaitsa

Floyd Wabwire

Chrisant Ojwang

David Nyangige (Debut)

Naomi Amumgumi

Moreen Muritu

Sheila Chajira(Captain)

Sinaida Nyacho

Edith Nariaka

Janet Okello

Marvel Oswago (Debut)

Freshia Oduor (Co captain)

Charity Nilah (Debut)

Grace Okulu

Phoebe Akinyi