Gabriel Ayimba is eager to make his mark on the national rugby team, Shujaa, after receiving his first call-up for this weekend’s Safari 7s in Machakos. Gabriel, the son of the late Benjamin Ayimba, former Shujaa coach, has previously played for the second-string team, Morans, but now has his sights set on impressing head coach Kevin Wambua in the senior team.
“It means a lot considering I’ve been trying to get into Shujaa for the longest time since my first circuit with Quins (Kenya Harlequin). I was trying to get into Shujaa, but I first got into Morans, and having this build-up is such a big opportunity for me to play for Shujaa.”
Ayimba says the team is well-gelled and in sync, with most players having been together for nearly a year. He believes this strong bond will be crucial as they aim to defend the Safari 7s crown.
“This being a team sport, bonding is one of the most important things that helps a team win. If there’s no bond, then there’s no victory. For this group trying to get back to the HSBC World Series, the bonding has been great.”
The Strathmore Leos forward, who last represented Kenya in the Africa 7s, is determined to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father, and perhaps even surpass his accomplishments.
“My main target has always been, and will always be, to beat his achievements. They say aim at the sun and reach the moon. He’s my sun, and I hope to reach the moon. His achievements are what keep me going, what push me to keep improving.
“Of course, there’s a lot of pressure because some fans compare me to him, and it’s really tough. But I just focus on what’s important and ignore the rest of the noise, and that keeps me going.”
The late Benjamin Ayimba had an outstanding playing career and an even more remarkable coaching one, leading Shujaa to their first-ever leg win in the Singapore 7s during the 2016 HSBC World Series season.
