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Kenya Sevens star Patrick Odongo has been honoured for leading Shujaa to Olympics qualification despite having lost his mother just before the tournament started
Kenya Sevens winger Patrick Odongo has been named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality of the month of September after his brave and scintillating display at the Africa Sevens when Shujaa secured Olympics qualification.
Odongo lost his mum just before the Africa Sevens 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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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.
The winger scored seven tries in the entire tournament, including two tries, as Kenya edged out South Africa 17-12 in the cup final.
He 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.
Odongo 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.
With those achievements, which ensured Kenya secured a third straight Olympics ticket, Odongo was a shoo-in for the September award and was handed a trophy and refrigerator from the award sponsors electronics giants LG.
“This was always my dream. I have always dreamt to play for the national team and my mum always wanted to see me on that big screen. I promised her that I would one day deliver it and I have truly done it,” Odongo said of his decision to travel to Zimbabwe, as quoted by Nation.
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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
“It was really difficult but with the support of my team-mates and others back at the club and everyone encouraging me, I managed it.”
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.
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