The Safari 7s 2025 wrapped up in style on Sunday, October 12, with a dream double for Kenya. Both national sides – Shujaa and the Lionesses – stormed to victory at the Nyayo National Stadium, reclaiming continental glory in front of an ecstatic home crowd. It’s the first time since 2021 that Kenya has swept both titles. –
Shujaa: The Kings of Consistency
Under the steady hand of Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua, Shujaa put on a rugby masterclass – unbeaten all weekend, unbowed, untouchable. From group stages to the grand finale, they made it look easy.
Their final showdown was a familiar one: Shogun Rugby, the same foes from 2023 and 2024. Once again, Kenya rose to the occasion – grinding out a 14–7 victory to clinch an incredible fourth consecutive Safari Sevens title.
The moment of magic came right at the death. With the scores tight and tension high, KCB speedster Floyd Wabwire, fresh off the bench, sliced through Shogun’s defence like a hot knife through butter. A slick offload from Vincent Onyala found him in stride, and Wabwire did the rest – touching down the decisive try that sealed the win.
That play summed up the team’s chemistry: mentorship meets momentum. Wabwire idolizes Onyala at their club, and here they were, linking up for the game-winning play in front of a roaring home crowd.
Asati Shines Bright – Again
Behind all the fireworks was Samuel Asati, the ever-composed scrum-half and co-captain. His vision, distribution, and energy kept Shujaa ticking all weekend. Unsurprisingly, he was named MVP of the Safari 7s 2025 – his second straight MVP award after 2024. That’s not luck; that’s consistency at its finest.
Even though no Shujaa player topped the scoring charts, the squad walked away richer in lessons and team chemistry. For Wambua’s men, this was more than a win – it was a launchpad for the 2026 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, where they’ll battle it out in Division Two.
Lionesses Roar Back to the Top
Not to be outdone, the Kenya Lionesses brought their own fire. In a gripping East African derby, they edged out Uganda’s Lady Cranes 14–10 to reclaim the women’s crown they last held in 2021.
Uganda came out hungry, determined to avenge their men’s early exit. They took the lead, controlled the pace, and looked poised for an upset – until Janet Okello decided otherwise. The electric winger, who was later named MVP of the final, burst through for a decisive try that flipped the script and sent the home fans into frenzy.
Coach Simon Odongo couldn’t have asked for a better redemption story: victory on home soil, against their fiercest rivals, at the very stadium where their last title run began.
Morans Make It Count
Meanwhile, Kenya Morans – the country’s second men’s team – continued to show why the future looks bright. With a lineup brimming with youth and debutants, they battled their way to a third-place finish for the second straight year.
Their 19–0 demolition of Zimbabwe in the bronze playoff was pure dominance, powered by two tries from John Okoth and another from Brian Mutua. The Morans’ mix of raw energy and tactical maturity proved they’re ready to challenge for bigger honours in the coming season.
Three Kenyan teams. Three podium finishes. One nation on fire. Safari 7s 2025 wasn’t just a tournament – it was a statement: Kenya is back, sharper, hungrier, and ready to take on the world.
Safari 7s 2025 individual honours
Men’s Player of the Final: Samuel Asati – Kenya Shujaa
Women’s Player of the Final: Janet Okello – Kenya Lionesses
Top Try Scorer: Sam Kildunne – UK Select (9 tries)
Women’s Top Try Scorers
Paula Rakeena – Costa Blanca Barbarians (7 tries)
Charlotte Woodman – Shogun (7 tries)
Top Points Scorers
Sam Kildunne – UK Select
Charlotte Woodman – Shogun
Team Honours
Men’s Champions: Kenya Shujaa
Women’s Champions: Kenya Lionesses
Safari 7s 2025 Finals Scores
Men’s Main Cup: Shujaa 14-7 Shogun
Women’s Main Cup: Kenya Lionesses 14-10 Uganda Lady Cranes
Men’s Third Place Playoff: Morans 19-0 Zimbabwe
Women’s Third Place Playoff: Costa Blanca 29-0 Shogun Ladies
Men’s Fifth Place Final: KCB Rugby 19-17 UK Select
Women’s Fifth Place Final: Kenya Cubs 15-10 Tunisia
