Kenya Sevens player Kevin Wekesa has termed his team-mate a ‘Shujaa’ for withstanding personal grief to help Kevin Wambua’s men qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics
Kenya Sevens player Kevin Wekesa has termed team-mate Patrick Odongo his ‘Shujaa’ for helping the team qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Odongo lost his mum just before the Africa Sevens, which served as the Olympic qualifiers in September, but opted to travel to Zimbabwe for the two-day tournament and the decision proved not just inspirational but also instrumental as he was the top scorer in the contest, leading Shujaa to the coveted title.
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The talented Daystar Falcons player was named the SJAK sportsman of the month, which he rightly earned as a result of his heroics for Shujaa last month.
The winger was the top scorer with seven tries in the tournament, including two in the final, as Kenya edged out South Africa 17-12 to qualify for a third straight Olympics.
As Kenyans marked Mashujaa Day on Friday, a day reserved to celebrate Kenya’s heroes past and present in various fields, Wekesa took the opportunity to celebrate his team-mate while showering him with praise for his brave display for the country.
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RUGBY Kenya Sevens winger Patrick Odongo named Sports Personality of September after brave & heroic display as Shujaa secured Olympics ticket
Kenya Sevens star Patrick Odongo has been honoured for leading Shujaa to Olympics qualification despite having lost his mother just before the tournament started
“As we celebrate Mashujaa Day this year, let us all be heroes of our own selves to contribute to the prosperity of our own country Kenya. On this Mashujaa Day, I would like to celebrate Patrick Odongo for taking us to the Olympics,” said Wekesa.
Odongo scored the opening try for Kenya against South Africa, which was converted for a 7-0 lead before South Africa responded with two quick tries, one converted, for a 12-7 lead at the break.
18:10 - 17.09.2023
RUGBY: Gallant Shujaa stun South Africa to qualify for 2024 Paris Olympics
Patrick Odongo scored a brace as Kenya Sevens pulled off a memorable win to seal their qualification to next year's Olympics at the expense of the much-fancied South Africa
He then scored his second of the game to tie the scores 12-12 after the break before John Okoth extended Shujaa’s lead to 17-12 and they held on to claim a memorable win.
Shujaa players dedicated the victory to the mother of the Daystar Falcons winger with the country lauding him for his bravery in choosing to represent the country at a time of personal grief.
14:30 - 18.09.2023
RUGBY: Rugby fraternity dedicate Olympic qualification to Patrick Odongo’s late mum
Odongo played like a man inspired to achieve something substantial at the tournament, and it was telling that he ended up winning the player of the tournament award, but his mother was unfortunatley not able to witness his achievement.
His heroics also earned him the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality of the month award for September.