NAIROBI, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Only 14 teams will compete in the Africa men's rugby sevens tournament, which doubles up as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers.
With hosts South Africa almost certain of gaining automatic ticket through the World Series, Kenya will have a higher chance of making it through as the second highest ranked side for the tournament, which will be held in November.
"With the top four placed teams in the men's and women's World Series the first to guarantee Olympic qualification, the regional qualifiers will form the heart of a truly global qualification process that promotes universality and competitively," said Bill Beaumont World Rugby Chairman on Monday.
In Africa Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar, Zambia, Tunisia, Senegal, Morocco, Namibia, Ghana, Botswana, Mauritius, Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria will battle it out with the winner making to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
However, should South Africa fail to finish in top four in World Series, they will have to join the 14 teams. Currently South Africa are fourth behind USA, Fiji and New Zealand in the World Series.
Rugby Africa said Burkina Faso is also expected to join after it confirms participation.
The tournament will take place on Nov. 8-9 in Johannesburg.
