Tributes for stricken 'Benja' five years since historic Singapore title

Five years ago, on this very same day, 17th April 2016, Kenya men’s rugby team made history!

“On their day they can trouble the best in the world,” the commentator remarked in Kenya’s 28-7 win over France in the cup quarter finals of the Singapore Sevens.

But it all started in the semi-finals of the main cup when Collins Injera drove an impossible penalty fourty metres out, to hand Shujaa a narrow 12-15 win over Argentina, setting up a clash against favourites Fiji in the final.

In that last game, Oscar Ayodi gave Kenya a dream start before ‘The try scoring wizard’ – Collins Injera, scored two tries in Kenya’s 30-7 demolition of heavyweights Fiji to lift a very first cup win in the Sevens circuit.

It had taken Kenya a remarkable one hundred and fourteen tournaments to finally taste their only cup win to date. But all that just felt like a distant memory when the final whistle was blown. The players had battled to the final, cried in disbelief after clinching the title, they danced, hugged, smiled, lost their voices and showcased their moves when celebrating the achievement, all in the process of making history for our motherland.

“They just come out to show me how much they can give and I am lost for words to be honest,” the head coach stated.

That win at the time came under the tutelage of none other than Benjamin Ayimba, who instantly earned hero status back in the country.

Five years on from that feat, the mastermind behind that stunning performance – Ayimba – is a shadow of the man who went running into the field after Injera split the posts with that last action, semifinal penalty kick that sent Shujaa on its way to the title.

In a very unfortunate turn of events, Ayimba is currently in critical condition after being taken down by cerebral malaria. And with each passing day, his family and the entire rugby fraternity keep appealing for funds to cater for the ever rocketing medical bills having exhausted their medical insurance.

It is sad to see this happen to one of the very best in the game, especially at a time when we are remembering his victory for us. But it is our hope that Ayimba will overcome this challenge facing him.

A massive campaign under the hashtag ‘#TurnUpForBenja’ is currently ongoing in the country in support of the former rugby legend who is admitted in hospital. Well-wishers are urged to send in their contributions through PAYBILL NUMBER 8021673 under ACCOUNT NAME: BENJAMIN OTIENO AYIMBA MEDICAL.

As we remember this historic moment, let us come through for coach. Let’s do this for Benja.

#TurnUpForBenja.