Odongo’s prominent rise has already gotten rugby fans comparing him to Injera, and the budding youngster has opened up about the challenge of living up to those comparisons.
Kenya 7s sensation Patrick Odongo has discussed the pressures of already drawing comparisons to the legendary Collins Injera after enjoying what has been a breakthrough year in his rugby.
The Daystar Falcons winger, who is still a a junior undergraduate at the Daystar University, enjoyed a fantastic first season in both the Kenya Cup and National Sevens Circuit series, before being called up to the national sevens side for their Olympic Qualifying Campaign in Harare back in September.
He was named the most valuable player of the tournament, and has since won the Safari Sevens circuit, with a Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) award coming in between both achievements.
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His rise has already gotten rugby fans comparing him to Injera, and the budding youngster has opened up about the challenge of living up to those comparisons.
“A lot of pressure, it is not easy and it is very difficult,” Odongo told Scoreline.
“You have to prove that point and give them that score and we are working on it.
“I really appreciate it and I hope to work for more. It was challenging. Everyone wants to get that show. All of them (fans) want to see that statement that you will make. It is really challenging.”
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Speaking on winning the SJAK award in October, Odongo admitted he was “not expecting” it and was “surprised” that he was able to achieve that feat, considering the fact that he had unfortunately lost his mother in the days leading up to the Olympic Qualifiers.
“It was a stepping stone and I really appreciated it. I never expected because I was surprised because I was called up by SJAK and told that I was player of the month. I did not expect it.
“I did not expect it. It just came by surprise and I never even expected myself to be there because I was just from high school last year, and immediately after high school, I am being called up to the national team.”
Meanswhile, Odongo has asked the fans to trust in Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua’s process, considering he has overseen a perfect start in charge of the side so far since being appointed in late July.
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Kisia has outlined what Shujaa must do if they are to win back promotion to the HSBC World Sevens Series and do well at the summer Olympics in Paris.
“They should expect more because with Kevin Wambua, everything is possible. When he took over as coach, he knew he would lead Kenya to a better place.
“I can see that coming through and Kenyans should expect us coming back from the HSBC series.”
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