Shujaa face Namibia in CAR Cup

Kenya’s Shujaa launch their title defence against Namibia as the Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) Sevens Cup gets underway on Saturday at the Prince Edward School grounds in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Shujaa, which is Kenya’s second-string sevens rugby team, will take on Namibia from 9.10am before meeting hosts Zimbabwe at 11.40am in a repeat of last year’s final.

Kenya will then play rank outsiders Nigeria from 1.30pm, then take on neighbours Uganda at 5.10pm.

Shujaa will wrap up their Pool B matches against Cote d’Ivoire Saturday at 10.10am. Pool A has South Africa Academy, Tunisia, Madagascar, Zambia, Senegal and Botswana.

Matches in the knockout stage will be held on Sunday, followed by semis and the final.

“It won’t be an easy affair, considering that Zimbabwe and Namibia are always strong and Uganda always have a bone to pick with us,” said Shujaa coach Gibson Weru, adding that Kenya will face a strong challenge from South Africa and Tunisia.

THE BIG PICTURE

“We are not only looking at our pool but the tournament in general. South Africans are always good, even with a development side and Tunisia is a quality team,” said Weru.

The only newcomer in Weru’s squad is Nakuru’s Philip Owuor (Nakuru) while the rest of the players have either featured for Shujaa or Kenya Sevens in various international assignments.

Martin Owillah (Nakuru), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Alex Olaba (Strathmore) and Davis Chenge (Western Bulls) featured for Kenya Sevens in the 2014/2015 IRB World Sevens Series in Gold Coast last month.

The rest of the players featured for Kenya’s third-string side, Simba Samba, at the Safaricom Safari Sevens in September.

Although not a dominant force in Sevens rugby, Namibia have four members of the senior team currently on tour in France.