Kenya Sevens eyes on Rio Olympics gold

Kenya’s Sevens Rugby team Shujaa stunned the world when it won the Singapore leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

On Sunday, the team defeated Fiji in the main cup final at the Singapore Sevens rugby tournament, announcing to the world that they had finally come of age. The fanfare with which the champions were received upon arrival back home spoke volumes about the pride that Shujaa had brought to the nation.

“You have made us proud,” President Uhuru Kenyatta told the team in congratulating them for the historic win. “Our star continues to shine as a powerhouse in sports,” he added.

By beating world defending champions Fiji 30-7, the team simply outclassed a highly respected opponent. Fiji has been perennial finalists. They have won the series twice and emerged runner-up five times.

Kenya shot up to seventh position in the standings after their 22 point haul in Singapore.

The team was captained by Andrew Amonde.

Now after helping Kenya bag its first Sevens title, head coach Benjamin Ayimba has set his sights on Olympics glory in Rio in August this year. He believes his team of winners can add another feather to their cap.

For nearly two decades, Kenya, driven by some talented players, has been knocking on the door to rugby glory. Patience finally paid off and the door swung open to spark wild celebrations among Kenyans across the world.

Describing the journey as long and frustrating, team captain Andrew Amonde was in full praise of the sacrifices by his charges as he dedicated there victory to former players who started the sevens journey three decades ago.

Head coach Benjamin Ayimba who noted that resilience, determination and hard work was the key also extoled his seniors who started the journey back in the 80s. Other senior players Humphrey Kayange and Collins Injera, who have been with the team for many years, said the journey had just started since Kenya has to stay at the top and perhaps win the Series in future.

“I dedicate this victory to all the guys who started this long journey. They deserve it more than anyone else,” said Amonde, who recalled the nostalgic memoirs of Watembezi pacesetters and the Kenya team, who set the pace.

“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 Sevens,” said Amonde.

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

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

Team’s former coach Mike Friday who had guided the team to their best placing in the World Series (fifth) also resigned after he was fired and then reinstated after a battle between KRU board members. 

“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 the trophy and finally it’s coming home.”

Said Ayimba: “My players are a prayerful lot of people and that is what brought this victory above everything else. I thank God for staying faithful.

“I am humbled and happy because it has taken us the longest time and people had started losing faith in us,” said Kayange. “It’s with mixed feelings and a huge honour to people who played before us.”