Why former Shujaa Captain Humprey Kayange will never forget the year 2009

The year 2009 will forever remain in former Kenya 7s skipper Humprey Kayange’s mind.

It was that year that Kayange, commonly known as Tall, achieved the unimaginable as Shujaa captain.

He led Kenya to the semifinals of the Rugby World Cup 7s in Dubai and helped them secure successive top-ten finishes in the IRB Sevens Circuit.

How it happened

Bill Githinji was long gone as Kenya's head coach.

Gordon Anampiu, Edward Rombo, and Frenchman Christophe Rouchaleou had all handled the side before the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) settled on former skipper Benjamin Ayimba to take over the team, assisted by former players Felix Ochieng as assistant coach and Oscar Osir as team manager.

It was that year that players such as Kayange, Victor Oduor, Lavin Asego, and Collins Injera burst into the limelight as Kenya became a tough nut to crack on the IRB Sevens Circuit, securing successive top ten finishes in the seasons since Ayimba’s appointment.

They went into the 2009 World Cup in Dubai off a series of strong displays. They were no longer the minnows that they were when they made their debut in Argentina, a side that could beat anybody on a good day.

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Playing in Pool E, Kenya would reach the Melrose Cup quarters as one of the best runners-up.

Shujaa started with a 29-7 win over fellow Africans, Tunisia and followed this up with a 43-7 win over Hong Kong before falling to England 26-7.

Up next for Kenya were Fiji, the defending champions. Lavin Asego scored and converted his own try as Kenya led Fiji 7-0 in the main cup quarter-finals at halftime.

Second-half tries from Kayange, Injera and Biko Adema saw Kenya pull off a huge upset, the 26-7 result knocking out Fiji, Kenya booking a semifinal date against Argentina.

The semifinal was a tense affair, with Argentina edging out Kenya 12-0 to reach the final. Wales beat Argentina to the title.

Kenya had shown remarkable growth, earning them automatic qualification to the 2013 World Cup in Moscow as well as respect from the entire world.

“2009 when we first qualified for the semifinals and how I played that year set the tone for how we played in the subsequent years. On a personal level and just for my growth, that year meant so much to me. A couple of key moments that I can point to but really, that year stood out in my career,” Tall told Mozzart Sport.

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Tall officially retired in 2016 after an emotional high of leading Kenya to the Rio Olympics.

He has since taken managerial duties, serving in the KRU board as the director of the Kenya 7s squad.

“Looking at the team there and the potential and opportunities they have at such a young age, it's crazy. Our average age in the team is about 24 and imagine how many years they have to play to get to the peak of their careers. I am looking forward to them achieving even much more,” he offered.

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He also expressed his admiration for Kevin Wekesa of Kabras RFC, who has been on top of his game since busting to the international scene.

“I am proud of Wekesa. He wears my number six jersey. Maybe it is something to do with the number six jersey. The captain Vincent Onyala is also great. I am excited to see how they grow into their roles and be more confident in what they achieve,” he concluded.

Kenya Squad to the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens:

Humphrey Kayange (captain), Allan Onyango, Victor Oduor, Ben Nyambu, Wilson Kopondo, Lavin Asego, Biko Adema, Innocent Simiyu, Collins Injera, Sidney Ashioya, Gibson Weru, Horace Otieno COACH: Benjamin Ayimba

2009 Results

29-7 v Tunisia

43-7 v Hong Kong

7-26 v England

Main Cup Quarters

26-7 v Fiji

Main Cup Semis

0-12 v Argentina

4th overall