Thirty-seven of the 40 men's and women's teams have now booked their places at next year's Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai, leaving only Africa's men to face the gruelling prospect of qualification in Tunisia over two days, starting Friday 31 October.
With South Africa's name already in the draw as quarter finalists at the last tournament in 2005, IRB Sevens World Series regulars Kenya are arguably favourites to win, however they are wary of the quality of opposition in store - notably the hosts Tunisia - and of Sevens rugby's innate tendency to produce upsets.
"Every single game versus Kenya will be a final for the opposition, meaning that we are going to have to play terribly hard games from the first match," Kenya Team Manager Oscar Osir told Total Rugby Radio.
"We're going to have to play very tactically, very smart, use our heads not our emotions and last for the two days.
"All the teams have come here to qualify and as far as they are concerned, we are a target. We've decided that we just need to qualify. Everything else is irrelevant. Having three slots improves our chances and if we win we could get a better pool in the World Cup, but we need to qualify first and the rest will take care of itself."
Success on the World stage
Kenya were seventh in the last World Series and enjoyed notable wins against rugby heavyweights Australia and England. The players have learned a lot over the last couple of years under the new management team comprising coach Benjamin Ayimba and Osir as Manager.
As former national captains, both command the respect of the players and fill the dual role of mentor and management staff.
At the time of the last World Cup Sevens Osir was Kenya's skipper. He was also one of the leading try scorers on the World Series at the time and forged a strong leadership alliance with Ayimba on the pitch.
Both, however, have made the step into management far sooner than expected.
Manager and mentor
"At the last World Cup I said that I would relish the day when I would appear at a World Cup as a manager or as part of the management team, we were laughing about it," Osir said.
"We were anticipating maybe another two World Cups would go by and then we'd be involved, but here we are immediately, trying to pursue a World Cup slot with the team.
"A couple of the boys laugh at me when I get my kit on and warm up with them, so I'm going to have to sort that out!
"It's hard to say good-bye as a player, it's an awesome feeling to represent the team as a player and captain, but now to be leading the team as a manager is fantastic, something you can't explain.
"We're very ambitious and the team have done very well in the two seasons since we took charge. There's lots of potential there so we're very happy to be involved."
The withdrawals of Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon have prompted a late reorganisation of the pools with Tunisia B taking part to allow two pools of five. The pool matches take place on Friday and Saturday before the top two sides in each pool progress to the semi finals, the two winners and third place team qualifying for RWC Sevens 2009.
Tunisia Pools and match schedule
Pool A
Kenya
Uganda
Tunisia B
Namibia
Senegal
Pool B
Tunisia
Zimbabwe
Madagascar
Zambia
Botswana
Day one fixtures (local time)
10:00 A - Kenya v Tunisia 2
10:20 B - Tunisia v Botswana
10:40 A - Uganda v Senegal
11:00 B - Zimbabwe v Zambia
11:20 A - Kenya v Namibia
11:40 B - Tunisia v Madagascar
14:00 A - Uganda v Tunisia B
14:20 B - Zimbabwe v Botswana
14:40 A - Namibia v Senegal
15:00 B - Madagascar v Zambia
15:20 A - Uganda v Kenya
15:40 B - Tunisia v Zimbabwe
