Will it be a swansong of note and give Kenyan Sevens fans something to cheer about?
The news this week of Sevens legend Collins Injera retiring from the game was followed by another shockwave with Willie Ambaka, the speedster announcing that Sydney’s Sevens would be his last in a Kenya jersey.
Ambaka has played for 13 years for Kenya Sevens and has decided to call it a day, announcing his retirement on Instagram.
“After thirteen incredible years playing for the Kenya Rugby Union, I’m beginning to understand that while pursuing great things, it is the pursuit that holds the greatest value. While it has been a tremendous journey, now it is time to pull the curtains on my international rugby sevens journey. This is why I have come to the decision that I will be playing my final leg in Sydney this season,” he said.
A constant powerhouse for @KenyaSevens! ??@Willyambaka will call time on his career after #Sydney7s ???? pic.twitter.com/Uoszl8vjih
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) January 26, 2023
With all this in mind, the improved performance in Hamilton, where Kenya placed 10th and grabbed seven vital points will also give them a boost as they try and stave off relegation to the Challenger series at the end of the season.
But their pool opposition is just as tough - and Kenya haven’t won a pool game all season - as they face New Zealand, the Blitzboks and the unpredictable Uruguay in their pool.
Kenya will be looking for an upset to get themselves into the Cup competition and after their performance in Hamilton, they will be feeling a lot more confident.
KENYA'S FIXTURES (all times CAT, SA, GMT+2)
FRIDAY
6.06am v South Africa
SATURDAY
1:06am v New Zealand
6:27am v Uruguay