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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.
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.
The Kenyan rugby fraternity has dedicated Shujaa’s Olympic qualification to Patrick Odongo’s mother, who passed away just before the start of the tournament in which the talented Daystar Falcons player won the most valuable player award.
Odongo, who scored seven tries at the tournament, had the option of staying behind at home after receiving the news that his mum had passed away on 9 September this month, but traveled with the party to Zimbabwe to take part in the tournament.
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, although his beloved mother was not able to see him play for his country.
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18:30 - 13.09.2023
Collins Injera ‘not feeling the pressure’ of taking up coaching at Mwamba
Injera stepped up to head coach role at Mwamba’s sevens side on an interim capacity in the absence of Kevin Wambua who was away on international duty with Shujaa on a couple of legs in the just concluded National Sevens Circuit.
“All mama wished for was to see her son play for his country in the Kenyan jersey and her wishes have come true,” Odongo wrote on his Instagram page.
“She being at a better place watching me makes her and my country proud. Forever in my heart Mama. I promise to make you proud.”
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11:00 - 17.09.2023
RUGBY John Okoth on fire as Shujaa cruise past Burkina Faso into Rugby Africa Sevens semis
Kenya Sevens are now just two games away from qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics
The Kenya Rugby Union made a statement, consoling Odongo and his family and praising his “great resolve” by staying with the squad and playing “a crucial role” in qualification.
“We dedicate our victory at the Rugby Africa 7s and subsequent qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics to the late Sophia Atieno Ogak, who passed away on Saturday 9 September 2023,” the statement read.
“She is the mother of our squad member, Patrick Odongo who showed great resolve in staying with the squad and playing a crucial role for us in sealing victory and Olympic qualification.”
Captain Vincent Onyala also said that the victory was for Odongo.
“This victory is for our teammate Patrick Odongo.”
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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
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