Shujaa co-captain George Ooro has reflected on how Kevin Wambua managed to turn the tide for the Kenya National Sevens team.
Kenya Sevens co-captain George Ooro has reflected on the transformative leadership of head coach Kevin Wambua, who managed to turn around Shujaa’s fortunes following their relegation in the 2022/23 World Rugby Sevens Series campaign.
Ooro, who has been a crucial figure for Shujaa in international engagements, made his World Rugby Sevens Series debut in 2022.
That season proved to be a challenging one for Kenya, as they suffered relegation from the series for the first time since earning core status in 2004.
Ooro was among only two rookies included in the 12-man squad for the 2022/2023 season.
George Ooro has been named stand-in co-captain alongside Samuel Asati for Kenya’s first two legs of the 2024/2025 HSBC SVNS in the absence of Tony Omondi and Vincent Onyala.
His first appearance for Kenya came at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens, where he was introduced as a second-half substitute in the opening match against Uruguay.
However, his debut season took a downward turn when Kenya lost 12-7 to Canada in the relegation playoff final, sealing their demotion from the core circuit.
In 2023, Kevin Wambua was appointed as the new head coach, entrusted with the mission of guiding Shujaa back to the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Ooro credits Wambua with implementing a culture of discipline and equality that helped reshape the team.
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Shujaa will be looking to get out of the group stages at the upcoming Perth 7s tournament in Australia.
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“Wambua managed to turn things around and instill equality in the team, where everyone, from the coach to the youngest player, is fined for breaking the rules,” Ooro told Nation.
Under Wambua’s leadership, Shujaa made a triumphant return to the World Rugby Sevens Series.
The team reclaimed their core status after a commanding 33-15 victory against Germany in the winner-take-all relegation-promotion playoff in Madrid in June 2024.
Ooro emerged as a leader in the restructured squad, helping to steer Kenya back to the elite level of international rugby sevens.
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Shujaa head coach Kevin Wambua has provided a positive update over the futures of striking co-captains Tony Omondi & Vincent Onyala.
With their status reinstated, Shujaa is now focused on the ongoing World Rugby Sevens Series campaign.
The team is set to compete in the Canada leg of the series, scheduled for February 21-23, where they have been placed in Group A alongside formidable opponents Argentina and Great Britain.
As Kenya Sevens continues their journey back among the world’s best, Ooro and his teammates are determined to prove that their resurgence is not just a fleeting success but the beginning of a sustained presence in the global rugby arena.
