Winger Ambaka wants to play Namibia match

Western Province explosive winger William “Lomu” Ambaka has kept his options open regarding playing for Kenya in the Africa Rugby Division 1A and Olympics qualifiers.

Even though he will be involved in South Africa’s Currie Cup that starts on August 7, Ambaka said he could play for Kenya in their last Division 1A match against Namibia on August 8 in Windhoek.

Ambaka, 25, also said his bond with Kenya Sevens was very strong and he would be happy playing for the team in Africa qualifiers for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games from November 15 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

“The Namibia match date is when Currie Cup starts but who knows since I have kept my options open. I would like to play for Kenya again.

“I want to see what the future has in store and more so I also have to work hard to earn a spot in the team since I believe players at home are working equally hard,” said Ambaka, who featured for Western Province in the 2015 Vodacom Cup final against Pumas on Saturday. WP lost 7-24.

Ambaka’s last call to Kenya was last year against Western Province but he broke his ankle while in training with the team in Nanyuki to miss the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in July in Madagascar.

EVERY SPORTSMAN'S DREAM

Ambaka, who last played for Kenya Sevens at the 2013 Rugby World Cup in Moscow where the team reached the semi-finals, said it was every sportsman’s dream to be at the Olympics and he was ready to play the qualifiers and also battle for a place in the team for the 2016 Rio Olympics Games should Kenya advance.

“I have a strong bond with the team. It’s my desire and dream to represent the country again and I believe I still have many years of rugby,” said Ambaka.

Western Province announced signing Ambaka in July last year ahead of the 2014 Currie Cup but shortly after arriving in Cape Town, he once again suffered an ankle injury and made no appearances for the team during their title-winning season.

Ambaka acknowledged that it had been tough coming back to full fitness from what was a career threatening injury. “I thank God that I’m back on my feet working towards my maiden show in the Currie Cup that starts in August,” said Ambaka, who thanked his team management and teammates for staying on his side when he was injured.

“It’s nice. I’m loving it. Everyone is helpful. I love it here,” said Ambaka, a former Kenya Harlequin and Lyon (France) player.

Ambaka signed a professional contract with Lyon for the 2013–14 Rugby Pro D2 season, becoming the first Kenyan rugby player to play for a team in the top two divisions in France. He played in 10 matches and scored six tries as Lyon won the title and promotion to the Top 14 for 2014–15.

Ambaka was signed by Western Province on the recommendation of Kenya 15s head coach Jerome Paarwater,  who is a Western Province coach.