Kenya Shujaa touched down four times in the second half to edge out Africa champions Kenya Morans 24-5 and seal their 13th Safari Sevens title on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Several fresh names staked claims for international consideration with outstanding performances over the three days of action in the 28th edition of the tournament.
Fast-rising Kabras Sugar’s Kabras Sugar’s Rayvone 'Olindi' Ambale and Dennis Ndayala of Mwamba, who scored a try each for Shujaa and Morans in the tension-packed final, are certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Festus Shiasi and Victor Mola scored Shujaa’s other tries. Mola was the tournament’s top try scorer with eight touchdowns.
Elvis Olukusi of Kenya Shujaa charges past Clinton Amukwachi (left) and Dennis Ndayala of Kenya Morans during the Safari Sevens tournament at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on October 11, 2026.x
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Kenya thumped French Renegades 36-0 while Morans beat Shogun from the United Kingdom 31-10 to set up their first ever final encounter at Safari Sevens.
Ambale and Ndayala are some of these new players, who will be crucial to coach Kevin Wambua as he plots how Kenya can regain their SVNS Division I status.
“It’s a good headache for any coach who is spoilt for choice with a big base for selection,” said Wambua.
Half-backs Ambale and Glacious “Love Donor” Owino from Menengai Oilers, who were making their debuts with Shujaa, were a revelation at Nyayo.
Kabras Sugar’s duo of Michael Lukusi and Mathias Osimbo, Menengai Oilers’ Lucky Onyango and Arnold Ogonda from Daystar University, who appeared for Morans, also impressed.
Kenya rugby fans cheer the national sevens team during the Safari Sevens tournament at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on October 11, 2026.x
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Ndayala, 19, took control of the field at fly-half to bring back the memories of one of Kenya’s finest kickers, Lavin Asego.
“He is simply amazing at his age and a reincarnation of Lavin, who represented Kenya for the first time at the age of 18,” said Kenya Sevens deputy coach Louis Kisia.
Lukusi, 19, the former Butula Boys High School and Kabras Sugar’s playmaker, bounced back from a concussion, putting in only three sessions in training before starring for Morans, who reached their first final since 2019.
“The skilful and talented player bullied opponents with his size. He is what every coach looks for in a player,” said Wambua.
Owino, 21, who featured for Oilers for the first time at the national series this year, is already showing his mettle with his fearless nature, scoring tries at will. He was the main man as Shujaa demolished Wonder Sevens from South Africa 54-5 in the semi-finals.
“What makes Owino exceptional is that he is good in attack and defence,” said Wambua.
Kenya Shujaa players celebrate with the Safari Sevens winners' trophy at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on October 11, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Osimbo has been transformed from a utility back to a forward, and its bearing dividends with assured lineout displays, ball carrying and distribution.
Osimbo, who was in the Kenya Under-20 side that won the 2022 Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy, was called to the Kenya Simbas squad in 2024 but an Achilles tendon injury locked him out.
Onyango, 24, has been solid on the wings with his defence-splitting bursts and try-scoring instincts comparable to the more accomplished Patrick Odongo.
“We are eager to take him to the world because with his strong ball carrying skills our offense gains extra dimension,” said Kisia.
It will be interesting to see what squad Wambua will settle on for the World Rugby Series campaign. He is spoilt for choice.
