Kenya Sevens Rugby captain Amonde dedicates win to former players

Kenya Sevens captain Andrew Amonde has dedicated the team’s victory at Singapore Sevens to former players who started the journey three decades ago.

Amonde guided his charges to their first World Rugby Sevens Series victory, crushing powerhouses Fiji 30-7 in the final of the eighth leg of the Series.

“I dedicate this victory to all the guys who started this long journey. They deserve it more than anyone else,” said Amonde in reference to the exciting Watembezi Pacesetters of the 1980s and 1990s and the formative Kenya teams that started out in the inaugural World Series in 1999.

Watembezi made their debut at Dubai Sevens in 1982 before taking part in the subsequent 1983 and 1984. They won the first two before an invite to Hong Kong 7s as a national team in 1986, the first outing by Kenya Sevens.

Kenya had the likes of legendary Jackson Omaido, Tom Oketch (Captain), Pritt Nyandat,  Evans Vitisia, Beth Alunga, Max Muniafu, Cliff Mukulu, Andrew Ahuga, Peter Belsoi and the late Jimmy Owino.

The side that played for Kenya in their the first World Series tourney included current coach Benjamin Ayimba, Paul Murunga, Oscar Osir, Paul Odera, Sammy Khakame, Felix Ochieng and Billy Majale.

“Remember those are three generations and it’s glad that we finally made it on our 104th tournament after out inaugural World Rugby Sevens appearance in 1999 Dubai,” explained Amonde.

Amonde described the journey to a World Rugby Sevens victory long and frustrating but thanked the boys for the sacrifices that finally yielded good results.

Amonde remained steadfast and focused even after a shaky last season that saw the exit of South African coach Paul Treu followed by local Felix Ochieng before former team captain Ayimba took over the reins just before Safari Sevens in October.

KEPT THE FAITH

“Despite everything we still kept faith and worked hard hoping things will go our way,” said Amonde. “Every time we left the country we always had that dream of coming back with a Cup win and finally one is coming home.”

Amonde also paid tribute to the technical bench for the team’s improved defence that did magic especially against France, Argentina and Fiji.

Kenya has the second meanest defence in Singapore after South Africa.

The team thrashed France 28-7 in the quarters before edging out Argentina 15-13 in a tight semis.

“It’s quite incredible for a team that had only four regulars with the rest being youngster, mostly making their debut this season,” said Amonde. “It shows that we have potential and great future in the sport.”

While the older players brought in experience and confidence, Amonde explains that the youngsters brought in hunger for success and vitality.

As the team savours the victory, Amonde said they will have to stay focused for the final two legs of the series in Paris from May 13 to 15 where they face New Zealand, Portugal and Russia in Pool A, and in London a week later.

Giants of the game New Zealand will certainly be Kenya’s main rival, having met thrice this season. All Blacks won 36-0 in Wellington but Kenya struck in Las Vegas, winning 22-0. The All Blacks edged Kenya 5-0 in their last meeting in Hong Kong. 

Kenya are placed seventh in the Series with 85 points while New Zealand are third on 135. Russian and Japan tie at 14th with 21 points each followed by Portugal 17.

Ben Ryan’s series leading Fiji meet Samoa, Scotland and Wales in Pool B in the Paris leg while South Africa, Australia, England and invite side Brazil will compete in Pool C. Argentina hosts France, USA and Canada are in Pool D.