Injera out to cap historic season with Olympics medal

National rugby sevens vice-captain, Collins Injera, is seeking the perfect end to his barnstorming season by leaving Rio-de-Janeiro with an Olympics medal hanging around his neck.

The global sevens star made history on May 23 when he crossed the line four times on the opening day of the final round of the 2015-16 Sevens World Series in London, taking him past the previous record of 230 set by Argentina’s Santiago Gomez Cora.

He had much reason to thank older brother Humphrey Kayange, who set him up for his 231st try in the dying seconds of Kenya’s 29-12 defeat by France.

That moment easily won the Greatest Moment in the sport this year in an online poll in another glowing tribute to the Vihiga High School alumnus.

And speaking to Chamgei FM at the team’s Nandi Bears training camp in Uasin Gishu County, the father of two or ‘Baba Lokole’ as he is fondly known in local rugby circles is charged to help the celebrated team complete a podium run on their Olympics debut.

“To the fans, all I can tell them is keep supporting the team. We’ve been working hard and all we want to do is to go down there and medal at the Olympics. This season has been good and we say thank you,” the two-time Rugby Sevens World Cup semi finalist said.

The father of two-a son and daughter- says playing at the Olympics is a realisation of a dream having chosen his sport over the most popular game, football and its even greater since his elder sibling Kayange also made the team.

“I’m proud of my small family. I started playing rugby at Vihiga High in Form 1. I was a footballer and I went to the school ground after being told to join the sport of choice.

“When I got there, there were many footballers gathered on one side and I told myself I will not make it here. On the other end, there was a much smaller group playing throwing what I called an oval ball. I went over there, touched the ball and that’s how it all started,” he narrated.

It was a spur of the moment decision that has lifted him to local and international acclaim and as the shorter version of the game makes its maiden show at the Olympics, Injera will be among the top attractions in Brazil.

“The game has done so much in my life. I have travelled all over the world, became the top try scorer in history, I have won the Sports Personality of the Year Award in Kenya and been an ambassador for the sport and I’m grateful to continue playing the game I love,” the player who was bestowed with the Order of the Golden Warrior State award in 2010 acknowledged.

When not crossing the whitewash at the local or international stage, Injera is engaged in the Public Relations department of Advanced Medical Solutions based in Nairobi where he is also involved in marketing.

“I got an understanding employer who understands me and is a fan of the game. I’m grateful since whenever I inform him we are heading out, he is the first to ask why you haven’t left.

“To other employers who have people engaged in sport, I would urge them to let them go and represent their country in the sport they love but of course, everyone must put in the hard work in their jobs,” the man who was named the Player of the Final when Kenya won their first ever Main Cup title at the Singapore 7s underscored.

Head coach Benjamin Ayimba rolled out the squad he hopes will mirror the one he led to the semis of the 2009 Sevens World Cup in Dubai and better it by finishing among the medals last weekend.

Shujaa are placed in a tough Pool C alongside giants All Black 7s from New Zealand, Great Britain and Japan in the competition that will be held from August 9 to 11.

Great Britain were given a slot by virtual of England finishing fourth in the 2014-15 World Series since they compete at the Olympics as one union. Scotland and Wales players will feature in the team with those from Northern Ireland barred since they play under the Irish Rugby Football Union.

RIO 2016 MEN RUGBY 7s SQUAD

Augustine Lugonzo, Collins Injera, Willy Ambaka, Andrew Noel Amonde, Bush Mwale, Oscar Ayodi, Humphrey Kayange, Sammy Oliech, Biko Adema, Ouma Oscar, Billy Odhiambo, Dennis Ombachi

Officials: Benjamin Ayimba (coach), Newton Ong’alo (team manager), Lamech Bogonko (physiotherapist).