Electric Atmosphere at Nyayo as Germany and Argentina Conquer HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi; Shujaa Takes Bronze
There is nothing quite like the roar of a home crowd at Nyayo National Stadium. I spent the last two days right in the thick of it, watching the inaugural HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi leg unfold live, and if there is one takeaway, it’s that the spirit of rugby is alive and well in Kenya. While the hardware for the top spots went to Germany and Argentina, the heart of the tournament undoubtedly beat in the chest of every Kenyan fan who turned up to back Shujaa.
Germany and Argentina Draw First Blood in Promotion Race
The stakes were high for this opening leg, with spots in the HSBC SVNS World Championship series on the line. In the women’s category, Argentina’s Las Yaguaretés were the standout performers. Despite a dramatic loss to South Africa in their final match, their dominant run throughout the weekend secured them the title and the maximum 20 points. They now head to the upcoming legs in Montevideo and São Paulo as the team to beat.
On the men’s side, Germany executed a perfect Day Two, silencing the USA 28-7 and holding off Belgium to clinch the gold. Their disciplined performance saw them top the table, taking an early lead in the race for promotion.
Shujaa: Heartbreak, Pride, and a Podium Finish
For us in the stands, the narrative was dominated by Kenya Shujaa. Watching them live, the energy was palpable. The team looked imperious for most of the weekend, riding an unbeaten streak that had the entire stadium believing gold was inevitable.
However, sport can be cruel. In the very last game of the tournament—a decider against the USA—Shujaa suffered their only defeat. The 21-5 loss to a tactical American side was a tough pill to swallow, dropping Kenya to third place (Bronze) with 16 points, just behind the USA (18 points) and Germany (20 points).
Despite the result, I left Nyayo incredibly proud. Shujaa played with flair and grit, losing only that single match in a high-pressure format. Taking bronze on home soil is a solid foundation, and if the crowd’s reaction was anything to go by, the team has the full backing of the nation as they head to South America.
Stars of the Show: Gonzalez and Ooro
Beyond the team standings, individual brilliance lit up the pitch. A massive congratulations is in order for Sofía Gonzalez of Argentina and our very own George Ooro, who were named the HSBC SVNS 2 Players of the Tournament.
Gonzalez was instrumental in Argentina’s title charge, leading from the front with class and composure. For Shujaa, Captain George Ooro was a titan. Even in the final moments of the loss to the USA, it was Ooro who sprinted down the wing for a consolation try, refusing to let the home crowd go silent. His leadership and performance over the two days were nothing short of world-class.
Looking Ahead
The HSBC SVNS 2 series is just getting started. With Nairobi setting such a high bar for atmosphere and competition, all eyes now turn to Uruguay. For Shujaa, the bronze is a stepping stone. We have the pace, we have the power, and as I witnessed firsthand this weekend, we have the passion to fight for that promotion spot.
See you in Montevideo, Uruguay.
