Kubu makes Shujaa list as team readies for Vancouver leg
The soft spoken Kubu who has been in the country for the past 11 years has expressed his joy of representing his naturalised country and is ready for work
Fijian-born Jone Kubu has made history as the first foreign naturalised Kenyan to have made it to both 15s and now 7s team for national duty with the Vancouver Sevens leg (Feb 21st-23rd)2025 calling.
The 36-year-old experienced Kabras RFC fly-half was named today to the Shujaa squad as Kenya in ninth place, currently seeking to earn top eight places with three legs to close the HSBC Sevens season. The soft spoken Kubu who has been in the country for the past 11 years has expressed his joy of representing his naturalised country and is ready for work.
“I am grateful and thankful for the opportunity given to me; I cannot take it for granted. I have mixed emotions but it is all thanks to God. To represent Kenya in the shorter version of the game is incredible. Never in my wildest dream did I ever imagine making it to the team. We have a good squad and we have been working on drills and simulations for the past two weeks as we get ready for duty in Canada.”
“We want to go put in a good show in Vancouver and the boys are looking ready. Obviously for me, transitioning from 15s to 7s is quite a handful and challenging especially because of the issue of managing fitness but nonetheless we are adapting well so far. For some of us are nearing the sunset days of our career, it is a chance to pass the baton down to the younger folk and this is one way to give back,” he said.
Kubu is joined in the squad by his teammate Jackson Siketi, 18. The young talent off Koyonzo Boys School completes the team list led by co-captains Samuel Asati and George Ooro. Coach Kevin Wambua has heaped high praise for the Kabras duo stating that they will add depth and bite to the team.
“Siketi has a remarkable skill set and we are excited to have the youngster on board. His diligence has certainly earned him a spot and for us national team coaches, we are always happy with witnessing such progressive stories. As for Kubu, his all-round play will be of help to the team not to mention his experience on the big stage. His game intelligence is high and he can dismantle defenses at will. He has trained well and the others look up to him. We hope the two will help us pursue our top eight objectives.”
The full list includes; George Ooro, Samuel Asati (co-captains), Kevin Wekesa, Vincent Onyala, Dennis Abukuse, William Mwanji, Anthony Omondi, Brian Tanga, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, Floyd Wabwire, Jone Kubu and Jackson Siketi.
