Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has backed Shujaa to return to the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens series as they kick-start their journey at the Challenger series set for January 12-14 in Dubai.

Shujaa lost their core status for the first time in two decades last year after an underwhelming campaign.

While flagging off Shujaa and their female counterparts Lionesses ahead of their trip to Dubai on Monday, Namwamba implored on the teams to put in strong performances in the series.

“This is just the start of a very long journey. Our target is very simple and that is to finish in the top four teams in the series and make it into the playoffs. Once we get in the playoffs, I know what you are capable of doing…you will have no choice but to get back to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series,” Namwamba said in the event held at the Ministry’s headquarters- Talanta Plaza.

The CS further reiterated the government’s commitment towards supporting the national teams through proper investment and leadership.

Shujaa will begin their Challenger series campaign with a match against Mexico on Friday at 1.14pm before taking on neighbours Uganda at 5.58pm. They will wind up their group C action against Germany on Saturday at 12.59pm.

The series presents an acid test for Shujaa as they still have to battle it out in two other legs in Montevideo, Uruguay and Munich, Germany.

The top four teams will then battle it out for the World Rugby series status with the four bottom seeded teams that are participating in the top flight.

The women’s team will aspire to fight it out with the big girls at the series with an aim for the Women’s Rugby Series.

The Lionesses are in Pool B, and will open their campaign against China on Friday at 11:36 am before taking on the Czech Republic at 3.58pm.

They will wind up their group stage assignment with a date with Mexico on Saturday at 10.59am.

At the same time, Namwamba vowed to deal with the cartels who he says are derailing the growth of the sport.