It was a long time coming. And although it was delayed, has emerged at the opportune time. Failing to make the Kenya Sevens cut, a hamstring injury and his local club’s rather unimpressive finish in the 2014-15 Kenya Cup league should have worked to dent him. But look at him, like a mole, constantly digging, toiling and drilling through earth. When blockades were formed against him at the Sevens side, he dug a tunnel through the Simba XVs. We no longer know him as the St. Mary’s utility back but as a kicker to reckon with. He is blessed with a pouch safer than a Kangaroo on the high ball. His attacking style mirrors what you would loosely call a cobra taunt. Lethal off the set piece, blessed with speedy feet and a chisel sharp eye that can spot even the smallest micrometer and exploit it to fruition. We know him for almost single – handedly sinking Nondies during the ‘Chum’s memorial’ encounter this year. His sparkling boot gave glow to a match that should have easily gone Nondies’ way. We also remember him for steering the team to a near 2014 Christies trophy win. Calm, collected and focused. 3 words that describe the darkly lit, jaguar – like athlete. He makes his debut in a position revered by many as iconic. It is the same jersey number that English icon Jason Robinson donned. It is the same double digit combination that Innocent Simiyu once pulled in, the same that Vincent Mose’s jersey displayed, the same that Alex Goode is proud of showing off.
When Samuel Oliech gets into the changing room at the RFUEA this weekend, we would like to let him know that he carries more than 1 community. When he pulls in that fullback jersey, we would like him to believe that he deserves it. We want him to believe that he is the best in the nation at the moment. His greatest motivation should be the hunger for a win.
He has worked for it and we have no doubt that together with Vincent Mose & Robert Aringo, he shall bring back lost glory to Le Pavilion!
