‘SSBeezy’- The Panda Loving Joker…
One of the fastest rising back talents in the game is at Resolution Impala Saracens.
Meet Kenya fullback, Samuel Oliech. His threat reminds of past scintillating Impala fullbacks like Bill Githinji, Allan Wamanga and Innocent Simiyu all of who represented the nation too.
‘SSBeezy’ celebrated his 22nd birthday last December 15th.
His love for rugby started in first form at St. Mary’s School, Nairobi. His entry to the soort wasn’t optional, though, laughs the humorous last born child. He was forced by the school’s rugby captain at the time.
Oliech got to captain Saints early when he was in third form. He relinquished the captaincy the next year to study for his KCSE exams.
His proudest moment to date is his when he scored his very first try for the Saints. Once Oliech completed his fourth form exams in 2011, he first joined Nondescripts RUFC. He left to join the Kenyan Sarries in January 2012. Oliech moved to Impala egged on by fellow alumni especially Robert Aringo, his last school year captain, Anthony Nyandigisi, Pius Shiundu among others. “I’ve totally enjoyed myself. It was particularly a great honour for Impala to select me to go to Saracens UK for a month long exposure in 2014. It was exciting for Saracens to then expose me to the World Club 7s”
Oliech got his first international call up, Kenya U19, in 2012, Kenya Sevens the same year and his first full internationa call up in 2013. He has since lit up the Simbas where his exploits with fellow back three Darwin Mukidza and Jacob Ojee have got tongues wagging.
He is currently in Vancouver, Canada preparing for the Vancouver 7s leg of World Rugby’s HSBC World Sevens Series. He debuted in the Series last weekend in Las Vegas, USA.
“Oliech packs pace, power and agility. He has a good eye for the gap. If he works consistently , he will be a regular feature in Kenya’s international scene,” says Resolution Impala Director of Rugby, Fred Ollows.
In the club season, Oliech is hoping to get to the premier Kenya Cup playoffs with the Resolution Insurance sponsored side. He’s also got an eye on the top points scorer award.
His rugby role models are teammate Innocent Simiyu and Israel Dagg of New Zealand.
His favourite rugby venue, so far, is the Singapore Cricket Club, where he has represented Impala Saracens at the international Singapore 7s.
“Singapore is a very lovely city and the crowd at the stadium is very lively”
You will want to see him with ball in hand for the Gazelles.