That win was for my late mum - Patrick Odongo

Kenya 7s speedster Patrick Odongo is still enjoying the sweet smell of success after emerging the top try scorer in the Africa Men's 7s tournament that was played over the weekend in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Daystar Falcons' winger was key in Kenya's victory by scoring seven tries in the tournament.

Kenya Shujaa thrashed South Africa 17-12 in the physically brutal final affair to emerge champions.

What made his performance even more heartwarming was that he had lost his mother Sophia Atieno Ogak just before the tournament on September 9. Despite that, he braved the odds and traveled with the squad.

The rugby fraternity dedicated the triumphant victory to Atieno, whose big dream was to see her son represent the country at the international level.

Speaking on the successful hunt, Odongo noted that he was glad to finally live a dream. The youngster was one of the players that caught the tactician's eyes during the 2022 and 2023 National 7s Circuit, and he was one of the six rookies handed an opportunity to shine at the biggest stage on the continent. He revealed that his mother watching him from above was his driving force.

"Making my debut was a dream come true. I was not ready to sleep on a dream I had been working on. That is why I did my best," Odongo told Mozzart Sport.

The calm, eloquent Odongo further noted that while his dream of making the national team debut had come true, his only regret was that his mother, who was his top-ranking fan, was not there to witness his exploits.

Despite that, he pushed on, and as coach Bling described, Odongo is the future of Kenyan rugby.

"My mum's death was my driving force, that is why I dedicated the win to her," he said.

For the 20-year-old, teamwork won the team the much-needed title. He further thanked coach Kevin Wambua for the support given. The team was reaping the fruits of an intensive two-months training stint as they hoped to seal an automatic slot to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Shujaa defeat South Africa in Africa Men’s 7s final to make Paris 2024 Olympics

It was also their first time on the global stage after being relegated from the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series.

"We had teamwork. My teammates were correcting me in a positive way. No one was looking down at me. Coach Bling was encouraging. Even though at times he would be angry at my mistakes, he kept motivating me to go," Odongo revealed.

Moving forward, the fleet footed Agoro Sare alumnus has set his gaze on returning Kenya back to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series, in addition to bagging the top try scorer award in the upcoming season.

"I am aiming at taking the country back to HSBC. I also want to be the top try scorer in the upcoming season," he disclosed.

Odongo first touched the odd-shaped ball during his high school days at Agoro Sare which is not known for its rugby prowess. Unlike most players, the winger was not the heaviest player around, but his speed was his top secret. He is focused on winning gold in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"We are going for nothing short of victory," he said with optimism in his eyes.

Kenya 7s Coach Wambua showered the youngster with praises, noting that the strength to make it despite the devastating news was a show of his big heart.

"He is always hungry and wants to learn and get better. This tournament is dedicated to him. Losing his mum and putting in such a brilliant performance like he did is amazing. Those are the signs of a good player and we are proud of him. The future is here guys. I am very proud of this boy," Wambua offered.

George Ooro buzzing after punching Paris Olympics ticket with Shujaa

At the age of 19 years, Odongo got an invite to try out at Shujaa where he trained alongside the senior members of the former Kenya 7s squad including his role model Nelson Oyoo who was the former Shujaa captain.

For him, that was a relishing experience that he would love to make permanent.

This year, his prayers were answered and he made the national team at just 20 years old.

He was key in Kenya's unbeaten run in Zimbabwe.

Shujaa checked into the South African nation with a resounding 34-10 victory over Nigeria before whitewashing Namibia 51-0 in their second pool match. They ended the day on a high with a 38-12 victory over Zambia.

Shiasi dreams big after making national team cut

Their fine form kept going and on Sunday 17, they defeated Burkina Faso 26-0 in the quarterfinals before seeing off Zimbabwe 35-10 in the semis. They ended their hunt on a high with a 17-12 victory over South Africa.

Odongo was among the six debutants included in the traveling party.

The other new faces were Nygel Amaitsa, Samuel Asati, Festus Shiasi, Beldad Ogeta, and William Mwanji.