Elated young Smurf ready to surf Shujaa

Samuel “Smurf”Muregi who was one of the most promising players in the National Sevens Circuit is glad to be handed a chance in the Kenya Sevens squad.

Muregi, in an interview with Citizen Digital from the Mayan Villas in Nanyuki, could not hide his joy after being selected for the Safland Sevens in Namibia.

“It is a great opportunity, It is overwhelming being part of the set up. I had set myself goals, one being to make it in the final squad and now that I am there, I will set myself higher goals.”

“In my position I am satisfied with the call-up and I believe rugby has really grown. Youngsters are coming up well and are not shying off from competing with the best which is good for the sport,”Muregi said.

“All men are created equal. The only difference is that some work harder during the pre-season, and my success is as a result of hard work, focus, discipline and above all, fear of God,”Muregi said.

“The speed of the game is a lot quicker and a lot more physical,” he said. “It’s a big step up from the local national circuit. But it’s all I expected.”

The Shujaa flew out on Wednesday afternoon for Namibia with Muregi being part of the squad that will participate in the tournament.

The 21 year old former Kijabe Boys High School alumni will be aiming to impress so as to cement his position in the squad ahead of the Dubai Series in December.

Head coach Innocent Simiyu is confident Muregi will learn a lot from his test debut but, for now, the Shujaa coach just wants the Oilers prodigy to enjoy the moment.

The burly utility forward was the backbone of the Oilers squad in the just concluded National Sevens Circuit.

Together with his counterpart Eric Ombasa, they earned their maiden call ups and will have to proof their worth in Namibia in their first assignment in a Kenya jersey.

Muregi, a hard runner and tackler who at the same time possesses pace and intelligence will be remembered for his individual performance at the Sepetuka Sevens in Eldoret.

He not only dazzled but also scored a brilliant solo try in the dying seconds of the game to knockout strong opponents Harlequins (24-29) after extra time in what was seen as a collective and individual brilliance.For now, it seems the hard work is repaying for the ambitious ‘smoking’ kid.