PARIS 2024: Shujaa edge Samoa to finish ninth

On the final day of the Rugby Sevens tournament matches at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a youthful Shujaa side gave the best account of itself by defeating Samoa Sevens 10-5 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris.

John Okoth was Kenya’s hero, scoring a try in each half. Despite failing to convert the tries, Okoth’s double gave Shujaa enough cushion to starve off a late fight back by Samoa, who made a try at the death.

As such, the victory ensured that Shujaa matched their best ever performance at the Olympic Games, replicating their performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games when they also finished ninth.

Kenya finished 11th in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, marking the first time Rugby Sevens had been played at the Olympics.

Following defeats to Argentina (31-12), Australia (21-7), and Samoa (26-0), Kenya Sevens finished bottom in Group B and advanced to the 9th-place finish play-offs.

Kenya then recovered in the semifinals of the play-offs, defeating Uruguay 19-14 after extra time to set up the date with Samoa.

Shujaa’s focus now shifts to preparing for their return to the World Rugby Sevens Series following a one-year hiatus.

Kenya had been relegated from the elite rugby sevens competition in 2023, but their performances in the Challenger Series ensured a speedy return.

Shujaa’s performance against Samoa gave credence to the team’s reputation as one for the future, with the 2024 Paris Olympic Games having come too soon for them. Judging by their progress over the years, people have touted the team for greatness.

The team’s strength and conditioning coach, Andrew Amonde, who also played for Kenya at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, credited the rugby academy programmes that most of the players had been part of since their teens for the team’s steady development.

“Unlike during my days, the current lot had an early introduction to rugby and as such is well-grounded in the basics of the sport. If they maintain the discipline and focus, they will soon win a World Rugby Sevens Series,” Amonde told Team Kenya media before the team departed for France in early July.