The waiting is over, and the stakes could not be higher. The Kenya Shujaa and the Lionesses are set to defend the flag on home soil as the inaugural HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series Division 2 descends on Nyayo National Stadium this February 14th.

For Shujaa, this is not just a tournament; it is a crusade to regain lost pride. After the heartbreak of relegation from the elite tier, the team has undergone a painful rebuilding process. Now, under the floodlights of Nairobi, they must prove they belong at the top table.

The Pool of Death

The draw has been unforgiving. Shujaa has been pitted against formidable opposition:

• Germany: A tactical, physical side that has been knocking on the door of the World Series for years. They are disciplined and will punish any Kenyan error.
• USA: Speed, power, and athleticism. The Americans are a core team in the main series and will bring top-tier experience to this division.

"We know the Germans are organized, and the Americans are fast," said Shujaa captain Vincent Onyala. "But they don't have the 12th man. The Nyayo crowd is our secret weapon. When that roar goes up, we find an extra gear."

Lionesses on the Prowl

The Kenya Lionesses are equally hungry. Drawn against Brazil and China, they face a different challenge. The Brazilians bring flair and unpredictability, while China brings relentless structure. The Lionesses will rely on their agility and the hard-running lines of their star playmakers to unlock these defenses.

Hosting this tournament is a logistical litmus test for the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU). With reduced pitch sizes and renovated facilities, organizers are promising a world-class spectacle. But for the fans, only one thing matters: winning.

As the Valentine’s weekend approaches, there will be no love lost on the pitch. It is do or die for Kenyan rugby.