Shujaa’s Cup quarterfinal qualification yesterday confirmed their core status in the HSBC World Sevens Series come 2019/2020 season.
They registered a draw against Australia, a loss to South Africa and eventually a win over Wales in their day one fixtures. Australia and Wales both lost two pool matches meaning they dropped to the Challenge Trophy as Shujaa and South Africa progressed to the Cup quarterfinal.
Japan who were also in the relegation battle with Shujaa dropped to the Challenge Trophy confirming Shujaa’s safety in the series. Shujaa booked USA Eagles in the Cup quarterfinal where the result was a 26-14 USA win, Shujaa dropping to the fifth place semifinal where they played the hosts.
Nelson Oyoo dotted down two of Shujaa’s three tries with Cyprian Kuto adding the third, Michael Wanjala drilled in all the three conversions. France however rallied from behind to score their three tries and convert them successfully for 21-21 draw at full time.
A France line out in Shujaa’s five saw Manoel Dall’igna attack the blind side to score the winning try that takes them to the 5th place final. Shujaa wrap up their season with a total of 37 points.
ET Final score@FFRugby 26 – #Shujaa 21
We wrap up our 2018/2019 season with a total of 37 points and ultimately secure our core status in the HSBC World Sevens Series. #KeepTheDreamAlive pic.twitter.com/EeCTUp16Zd
— #Shujaa (@KenyaSevens) June 2, 2019
The players have shown pure grit and passion this weekend knowing what was at stake for the team. Former Captain, Andrew Amonde has led from the front from the first fixture against Australia both on and off the pitch. He has played a very instrumental role in Shujaa’s performance this weekend. Incidentally, the 2019 Paris 7s was his 70th tournament in the Shujaa jersey.
Bush Mwale and Johnstone Olindi also stood out to be counted this weekend having finished in the top two positions of the DHL Impact Players list.
Shujaa Paris7s Scorecard
Pool: Australia 19-Shujaa 19 (D)
Pool: South Africa 29 – Shujaa 12 (L)
Pool: Wales 21 – Shujaa 26 (W)
Cup QF: USA 26 – Shujaa 14 (L)
5th Place SF: France 26 – Shujaa 21 (L)
