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The developmental side heads to Harare for crucial international exposure, a key step in the Kenya Rugby Union's strategy to build depth for the senior Shujaa team's 2025 HSBC SVNS series return.
NAIROBI, KENYA – John Okoth will captain the Kenya Sevens developmental side, the Morans, at the upcoming Zambezi Sevens tournament in Harare, Zimbabwe, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) confirmed on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The tournament, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Harare Sports Club, represents a critical platform for emerging talent to gain international experience as Kenya strengthens its rugby pipeline.
Head Coach Kevin Wambua has named a 12-man squad that blends promising youngsters with players who have had a taste of elite competition with the senior Shujaa team. This selection underscores the KRU's strategic focus on building a formidable feeder system to support the senior team's campaign in the top-tier HSBC SVNS 2025 series.
"We have assembled a quality squad with a blend of skill, energy, and hunger to compete," Coach Wambua stated in a press release from the KRU on Tuesday. "This is an important step for these players as we continue strengthening the pipeline for the national sevens program. We believe they are ready to represent the country with pride and deliver excellent performances."
The Morans' participation in the Zambezi Sevens is more than just another tournament; it is a foundational element of the national team's long-term strategy. Following Shujaa's successful return to the core HSBC SVNS circuit, the KRU has emphasized the need for a robust second-string side that can consistently challenge for spots and seamlessly transition to the senior squad. Tournaments like this provide the high-pressure international environment necessary to test and develop players.
The squad heads to Harare on the back of a commendable third-place finish at the 2025 Safari Sevens in Nairobi, which ran from October 10 to 12. During that tournament, the Morans recorded two significant victories over Zimbabwe, winning 27-7 in the group stage and securing the bronze medal with a decisive 19-0 win in the third-place playoff. These results provide a psychological edge as they prepare to face their regional rivals on their home turf.
The selection of John Okoth as captain is a nod to his growing experience and leadership. The Menengai Oilers back has a notable career trajectory, having represented Kenya at the U15, U20 (2019 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy), and senior 15s (Simbas) levels before breaking into the sevens setup and earning a spot in the 2024 Olympic squad. His journey from the Nakuru RFC age-grade system to the global stage exemplifies the pathway the KRU aims to solidify for upcoming players.
Okoth will lead a squad featuring several players with senior team experience, including Denis Abukuse, Chrisant Ojwang, and Floyd Wabwire. The team also includes exciting prospects who made their national team debuts at the recent Safari Sevens, such as Clinton Amukwachi, Rayvon Ambale, and Daniel Kipchirchir, highlighting a clear strategy of blooding new talent.
The full travelling squad announced by the Kenya Rugby Union is as follows:
The Zambezi Sevens is an invitational tournament featuring a mix of national teams, developmental sides, and club franchises from the Southern Africa region. The Morans have been drawn in Pool B, where they will face local Zimbabwean sides Pitbulls and Old Hararians. The competition is expected to be stiff, with hosts Zimbabwe likely to field two teams, alongside national squads from Zambia and Botswana, and other South African franchise teams.
For Coach Wambua, the objective is clear: build on the momentum from the Safari Sevens and give the players a platform to prove their capabilities. "The priority over the last two weeks has been based on performance from Safari 7s and how we can build from it," Wambua noted. "The tournament is more about the team than an individual player." The team is expected to depart for Harare on Thursday, November 6, 2025, ahead of the weekend's competition.
