Triumphant Kenya Sevens set sights on Olympic gold
Kenya Sevens captain Andrew Amonde holds aloft the trophy at JKIA on April 19, 2016 after the team's arrival from World Rugby Sevens Series in Singapore where they won the main Cup. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |
What you need to know:
- Kenya thrashed highly-fancied Fiji 30-7 at the Singapore Sevens final on Sunday.
The national Sevens rugby team has now trained its sights on gold at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Speaking after arriving from Singapore where he led his charges to their maiden Main Cup triumph at the World Rugby Sevens Series, Kenya head coach Benjamin Ayimba said they are now confident of a good outing in Rio.
“Our Olympics dream is now valid and the boys are for sure going for it,” said Ayimba. “We shall only break for a few days to celebrate and then resume training on Tuesday.”
Kenya thrashed highly-fancied Fiji 30-7 at the Singapore Sevens final on Sunday. “The Olympic gold is our next target. The victory in Singapore has given us hope and confidence that we can make it,” said captain Andrew Amonde, adding that the journey to their maiden victory in the series was tough.
“The truth is that every year we work hard, hoping to triumph. We have been in two finals before but God’s time is always the best and sweet,” said Amonde.
“We will use the next two legs in Paris and London to prepare for the Olympics.” Injera, who downplayed his chase for the all-time top try scorer target of 230, said they want to make their Olympic debut memorable. Injera is five tries off Santiago Gomez’s 230.
“I am not focusing on surpassing that target but a good rest before Olympics,” said Injera. “It has been tough but I thank God we have finally given our fans something to cheer about.” Former captain, Humphrey Kayange, said: “I am humbled and happy because it has taken us the longest time and people had started losing faith in us. It’s with mixed feelings and a huge honour to people who played before us.”
Ayimba heaped praise on his charges, saying their resilience, determination and hard work paid dividends.
“That is what Kenya is made of. My players are a prayerful lot and that is what brought this victory above everything else,” said Ayimba. “I thank God for staying faithful,” said Ayimba, who also dedicated the victory to his seniors, who began the Sevens journey way back in the ‘80s. “It has been a long journey and I give it all to those who started it.”
Ayimba also thanked Kenyans for staying faithful despite the treacherous route. “I want to thank the families of my players for the support they have given us since without them we could not have reached this far.”
