“It’s Valentine’s Day. We had to give our adorable fans some love, and that is by winning.”
Those were the words of Kenya Sevens co-captain George Ooro after Shujaa beat Germany 15-10 in sudden death for a flawless day one of the World Rugby Sevens Division II Nairobi leg at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
It’s Festus Shiasi, who beat his markers off a penalty when he evaded tackles in the middle to land behind the posts to send the fans, estimated to be 10,000, into rapture.
Patrick Odongo Kenya Shujaa Belgium HSBC Division Two Rugby Tournament Nyayo National Stadium
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“Our fans have been loyal to us since we became a core team at the World Series in 2003 and there is no better way to express our feelings,” said Oroo after he had earlier helped Shujaa to a 29-12 win against Canada and 33-0 romp against Belgium.
“This is so emotional to me since I have always worked so hard for such a platform after being away for all those years, and now we are at home. We have to give it to our fans,” said Oroo.
The physical Ooro urged his charges to go flat-out today in their last two matches against Uruguay at 12.50pm and the USA at 5.02pm.
Janet Okello Kenya Lionesses Gao Xiaoyang China HSBC Division Two Rugby Tournament Nyayo National Stadium
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“We are ready for any opponents with our 13th man, who are our fans behind,” said Oroo.
USA and Kenya top the six-team competition with nine points each, though the Americans enjoy a superior points aggregate.
However, Kenya Lionesses registered mixed results on the women’s Division II, beating Brazil 15-12 before losing 15-12 to China 15-12 and 12-10 to South Africa.
“It’s not the result we wanted but kudos to the girls for staying in the fight no matter what. We never gave up but our poor kick-offs, the conversions we missed and lack of support let us down,” said Kenya Lionesses deputy skipper Frashia Oduor,
Against the organised Germans, Shujaa found themselves on the back foot, trailing 10-0 at the break after Ben Ellerman and Felix Hufnagel had landed.
Nygel Amaitsa pulled back one try for Shujaa before Patrick Odongo claimed the restart to score his fourth try of the tournament.
Odongo, scored Shujaa’s first try of the tournament before completing a double as they dispatched Canada.
“It’s exciting to score the first try for the team in Nairobi and I want to score more than seven tries. Playing behind this great atmosphere is motivating us,” said Odongo.
“I am happy with the three victories but we need to tighten our defence from the tries we conceded,” said Wambua.
