The weekend witnessed Kenya 7s taking centre stage as they became the top trend, capturing the attention of rugby enthusiasts worldwide.
The team, once hailed for their remarkable performances in the World 7s Series, experienced the heart-wrenching blow of relegation.
The news sparked a wave of reactions from former players, fans, and team managers who expressed their disappointment and called for a rebuilding phase.
Kenya 7s legends reacts
Kenya 7s All-time top scorer Collins Injera expressed his sadness and emphasized the need for rebuilding with proper structures to regain Kenya Sevens’ former glory.
His brother Humphrey Kayange, a former player, captain adn now the director of National Squads, shared his heartbreak over the team’s relegation with a broken heart emoji, reflecting the collective sentiments of Kenya 7s supporters.
Dennis Mwanja, a former player who was part of the team that earned Kenya its core status 19 years ago, expressed his anguish. He highlighted the sacrifices and dedication of past players, expressing disappointment that the game they worked so hard to build had returned to a state of uncertainty.
Lucas Onyango who played alongside Mwanja and the late Benjamin Ayimba posted passionate statement emphasized the challenges faced by local players and the importance of investing in local talent and leadership. He drew attention to successful examples like Argentina, where local coaches have achieved great results.
Dennis Ombachi was clearly stunned by the devastating loss, shared his disbelief and expressed his empathy for the affected players. The result of the London Sevens was described as life-changing.
Meanwhile, Adil Fadhil, a team manager, urged the Kenyan clubs to unite and contribute to the rise of Kenya rugby. Fadhil acknowledged the pain of the loss but emphasized the need for a solution-oriented approach and unity to rebuild and ensure Kenya’s rugby success in the future.
The comments from former players reflect the deep emotional impact of Kenya 7s’ relegation.
Here are their posts on twitter
Collins Injera: 💔💔💔 KenyaSevens time to rebuild with proper structures
Humphrey Kayange: This cuts deep 💔💔💔 Kenya7s
Dennis Mwanja: They took away the game from the people who built it with blood, sacrifice and love and it’s now gone back to dust! One day you will learn that there’s a science around this. I was In the team that took Kenya to the core status same ground 19 years ago.We didn’t expect this to end 19 years ago when we took Kenya to core status. It hurts Kenya Shujaa.
Lucas Onyango: This one of the saddest days in Kenya rugby history. Some of us were paid peanuts and expected to win trophies to a time when Kenya rugby players were paid well before of the people who came before them and pushed for player rights. We sit here trying to give all sorts of excuses down but truth be told having jokers leading sports organizations and ministries got us here. We are obsessed with foreigners leading our time but ready to invest in our local sons who showed they can lead. 7 years ago kenya conquered the sevens and had a blueprint for winning no matter what. What do the powers be then do because they can’t control him, they sack him and go back to the foreigners and look where we are. Look at Argentina today smashing Fiji, we used to struggle together in the series and a player I play against many times Santiago Gomez Cora is coaching them and winning. His a local coach and doing the business. This nonsense and excuses don’t wash with me because I was deep in the trenches representing my country. How ironic is it that on Benjamin Otieno Ayimba Benjamin Ayimba 2 year anniversary since he heights we can reach. Benja you were my friend and teammate and we talk a lot about our lovely game and country but deep down am glad you were not here to see the team get relegated after all you put in and the many fights with idiots at the union. The systems let the team left us we get relegated. Look at the jokers running our country and institutions and you think kenya will every achieve their full potential. Am happy Sasha Mutai has taken over the reins and can finally sort this madness and put full proof systems that will take us to the great down and this would not have happened if players and coaches were proper looked after. Love you benja and keep resting in peace osiepa kkkkkkaaaaaaaammmmaaaaaannnnn
Dennis Ombachi: Somebody tell me I am dreaming, I feel for the boys. Life changing result at the London sevens 😭😭😭
Adil Fadhil: The loss really hurts, it is extremely devastating & I can’t imagine what the players/Tech/ Board are going through but collectively as Kenyan clubs we need to contribute to the rise of Kenya rugby. Let’s be solution oriented now. We rise as one #Kenya7s
