His recall into the Kenya Sevens squad early this year was marked with contentment and satisfaction at the Resolution Impala Saracen family. The Panda loving man had finally earned his spot in the National Side. His influence on the pitch both at Impala and Kenya 15s was obvious during the Kenya Cup and Kenya XIVs (Kenya Simbas) international during the 2015/2016 season. Often donning the number 15 Resolution Impala Saracens jersey, his skill and appreciation of game almost assures him a place whether at country or club.
His role models have been Israel Dagg (Crusaders- New Zealand) and Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu (Resolution Impala Saracens – Kenya) both of whom have represented their home teams in the full back position. His naming in the Kenya 7s squad to RIO2016 Olympics is a great honour to the Club and Saracen Global Network which will now have three players in Rio i.e. Sammy Oliech (Kenya), Savenaca Rawaca (Fiji), Chris Wyles (USA). His goal as a player is to play with Kenya XIVs at the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and this is definitely a huge step in that direction.
At only 22 years of age, Sammy has had the opportunity to represent Kenya U-19, Kenya Simbas and now Kenya Sevens. He was part of the 12 man squad that won the Singapore Leg on April 17th 2016 and that added on to his reasons as to why Singapore is his favourite place in rugby matters. This is from his previous tours to Singapore with Impala Saracens for the Singapore Cricket Club 7s. Known for his great ability to beat defenders with through footwork and strength and his chop tackle technique in defence, he is a good game reader and contributes immensely both in defence and attack.
Fred Ollows Director of Rugby at Impala Saracens recalls his journey and performances from the moment he joined the club after completing high school at St. Mary’s Nairobi, into the senior Impala Saracens team and later Kenya Simbas and finally as an Olympian with the Kenya 7s. “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.”
Sammy Oliech was named in the twelve man squad alongside: Collins Injera, Humphrey Kayange, Dennis Ombachi, Oscar Ouma, Billy Odhiambo, Andrew Amonde, William Ambaka, Oscar Ayodi, Bush Mwale, Augustie Lugonzo, Biko Adema.
They finished their last match against Great Britain with a 31-7 loss. They are set to face New Zealand at 11:30pm tonight and finish their pool matches with Japan at 6:00pm tomorrow (10th August).
From Resolution Impala Saracens fraternity, we wish all the Kenyan Olympians the best as they don the Kenyan Jersey and compete for the various medals.