Kenya Morans Earn Ksh 648,000 After Flawless Zambezi Challenge 7s Run
The Kenya Morans capped off an exceptional performance at the 2025 Zambezi Challenge Sevens in Harare, Zimbabwe, by lifting the trophy and pocketing US$5,000 (approximately Ksh 648,000) in prize money. The team’s campaign was marked by a rare defensive perfection, as they completed the entire tournament without conceding a single point.
Under the guidance of head coach Kevin Wambua, the Morans opened their account with a convincing 36–0 victory over Old Hararians, followed by an emphatic 41–0 win against Pitbulls to advance from the group stages. Their dominance continued into the knockouts, dismantling Old Miltonians 48–0 in the quarterfinals before overwhelming Old Georgians 61–0 in the semifinals.
In the final, Floyd Wabwire proved instrumental, scoring two decisive tries to guide the Morans past hosts Zimbabwe Cheetahs. The win was especially notable as it marked Kenya’s third straight triumph over Zimbabwe in just over a month—having previously beaten them twice at the 2025 Safari Sevens (27–7 in the pool stage and 19–12 in the third-place playoff).
Coach Wambua, who made ten squad changes from the Safari Sevens team, blended youth and experience to excellent effect. Absent from the lineup were seasoned players such as Elvis Olukusi (KCB), Barnabas Owuor, Elton Amalemba, and Arnold Muita (Strathmore Leos), as well as Arnold Agonda (Daystar Falcons) and Eugene Ojiambo (Mwamba). In their place, he recalled dependable figures including Gabriel Ayimba, Denis Abukuse, Chrissant Ojwang, and match hero Floyd Wabwire, whose leadership proved crucial throughout the competition.
The tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Rayvon Ambale of Kabras RFC, who received Ksh 65,000 for his stellar displays and consistency across the tournament.
This resounding success not only reflects the growing depth in Kenya’s sevens program but also boosts morale ahead of a demanding 2025 rugby calendar, which includes preparations for upcoming World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series events and potential national team call-ups. Coach Wambua emphasized that the Zambezi Challenge was an essential step toward nurturing emerging talents while maintaining Kenya’s proud tradition in Sevens rugby.
Kenya Morans Squad – Zambezi Challenge 7s:
John Okoth (Captain), Brian Mutua, Clinton Amukwachi, Gabriel Ayimba, Denis Abukuse, David Nyangige, Rayvon Amunga, Jackson Siketi, Daniel Kipchirchir, Victor Odhiambo, Chrissant Ojwang, Floyd Wabwire.
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