The Uganda National 7s champions, Walukuba Barbarians, have beefed up their squad ahead of the Safari 7s happening this weekend at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
The Barbarians, who became only the 6th side to win the prestigious National 7s title, had a very successful 7s season, with plenty of their youngsters playing beyond their age.
With the youngest players being the 17-year-old schoolboys, Shafiq Manisur and Matthew Oluka, while the oldest being 28-year-old Bob Kawanda, the Barbarians are going to have a say in Uganda Rugby 7s for a long while.
Winning the National 7s and putting up a great performance has earned three Barbarians a call-up to the national team for the Safari 7s. Shakim Ssembusi and Ivan Bulima shall earn their rugby 7s debuts, while Gift Wokorach shall be going out on his second Safari 7s outing. All these players were integral to Walukuba’s success, with Wokorach being the second top scorer, while many believe Bulima was the series’ Most Valuable Player.
Worthy to note, the Barbarians used a total of 18 players across the 7 circuits, while only suffering a single injury to speedster Isa Luqman. Following this injury and the call-ups, that left Coach Leonard Lumbabula with 14 players to select from while going for the Safari 7s. To reinforce his squad, the Walukuba gaffer has looked outside for players that fit the Barbarian profile, culture and game play.
The additions are: Hosanna Opileni, Alphonse Openyi, Brian Wandera, Stuart Mwayi and Godwin Abwang. These players have featured in the National 7s series with their respective sides, but since the Safari 7s are an invitational tournament, rules around player registration are not that stringent. Yasin Waiswa, who was earlier earmarked to feature in this side, shall unfortunately not be able to play owing to internal unrest within his club, the Hippos Rugby Club.
Full Squad: Ahmed Ssekyanzi, Musa Farid, Alphonse Otieno, Shafiq Manisur, Hosanna Opileni, Matthew Oluka, Alphonse Openyi, Bob Kawanda, Edward Emiemu, Brian Wandera, Stuart Mwayi, Godwin Abwang.