2026 Safari Sevens: New blood named in Shujaa’s team
Kenya Lionesses Hellen Wanjiru sprays a pass during a team training session as her mates Maxine Abuga (left) and Stella Wafula look on during a team training session at RFUEA ground, Nairobi on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Half-backs Glacious “Love Donor” Owino and Rayvone “Olindi” Ambale can’t wait to deliver Kenya back to the World Rugby Sevens Division I and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Their dream starts at this year’s Safari Sevens beginning tomorrow to Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi where they have vowed to unleash their top game in their maiden appearance Kenya Sevens aka Shujaa.
Menengai Oilers Owino’s rise reads like a Hollywood script, having managed to catch the eyes of Kenya Sevens head coach, Kelvin Wambua.
In just his debut season for Menengai Oilers at the National Sevens Circuit, the 21-year-old former St Mary’s High School, Yala player has shown his mettle to earn the coveted national team call-up.
Owino has never featured for Menengai Oilers at the Kenya Cup since joining the club in 2023 but has played in the second-tier Eric Shirley Shield League.
“I am happy to make the Shujaa team, but at the same time there is pressure to perform and deliver,” said Owino, who picked up rugby while in primary school, influenced by his elder brother Felix, who played for St Mary’s School, Yala.
It’s Owino’s penalty at the hooter that handed Kenya Morans a 17-12 victory against Madagascar as the team recaptured the Africa Sevens title for the country first after three years in Mauritius on Sunday.
“It’s my desire to have a permanent place at Shujaa even though I know competition is quite stiff,” said Owino.
Owino draws his inspiration from his former clubmate Denis Abukuse, who now plays for Canada's British Columbia-based rugby club Westshore.
Ambale, the exciting 20-year-old, who has been part of Kabras Sugar set-up since his time at Mahiakalo Primary School, is relishing the moment he will don a Kenya Shujaa shirt.
“Getting to understand the team’s setup and perfecting my role as a fly-half played a key role in my selection. I will strive to improve as I fight for a regular place in the team,” said Ambale, who featured for Kenya Morans last year.
He says his role model is former South Africa winger Rosko “Specmagic” Specman.
Ambale was drawn to rugby following grassroots programmes conducted by Kabras Sugar at his former Mahiakalo Primary School back in 2010. “What really kept us in the games were the meals they used to provide after training sessions,” said Ambale.
George Ooro and Samuel Asati will once again co-captain Shujaa, who are eyeing their 13th Safari Sevens. Shujaa successfully defended the Safari Sevens title last year.
Missing out are Vincent Onyala and Kevin Wekesa, who have not trained with the team and Tony Omondi and Chrisant Ojwang, who are injured.
Daystar Falcons skipper Clinton Amukwachi and Mwamba's Dennis Ndayala are co-captains for Kenya Morans side for Safari Sevens.
After Safari Sevens, Wambua is set to name a squad of 25 players to prepare for a series of international tournaments as they prepare for the next year's World Rugby Sevens Division II tournament in February.
Kenya Lionesses coach Simon Odongo, who promised a new brand of play, handed wingers Mwamba’s Tracey Montex and Catherine Elizabeth from Kenya Harlequins their maiden call-ups.
Sheila Chajira of Quins and Impala’s Stella Wafula are co-captains.
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