Ayimba raring to impress after maiden Shujaa call up

Gabriel Ayimba is itching to make his mark in the national rugby team, Shujaa after receiving his maiden call up to the team for this weekend’s Safari 7s in Machakos.

Gabriel, the son of the former Shujaa coach the late Benjamin Ayimba has previously turned out for the second-string team Morans but it's in the senior team where he is eyeing to leave an impression on head coach Kevin Wambua.

“It means a lot considering I have been trying to get into Shujaa for the longest since my first circuit while I was in Quins (Kenya Harlequin). I was trying to get into Shujaa but I first got into Morans and having a build up is such a big opportunity for me to play for Shujaa.

Ayimba says the team is well gelled and in sync with the majority of the players having been together for close to a year now and says the bond will be vital as they look to defend the Safari 7s crown.

“This being a team sport, bonding is usually one of the most major things that will help the team to win. So, if there is no bond in a team, then there will be no victory. For this cohort that has been trying to get back to the HSBC World series, the bonding has been great.”

The Strathmore Leos forward last represented the country in the Africa 7s, says he is keen to emulate and even eclipse the achievements of his legendary father.

“My main target has always been and will always be to beat his achievements. Because they say aim at the sun and get to the moon, so he is my sun and I hope I get to the moon. His achievements are what keeps me going, what makes me want to keep on improving.

"There is a lot of pressure that comes with it of course because some fans compare me to him, so it's really tough. But I just focus on the main thing and ignore the rest of the noise and it keeps me going.”

The late Benjamin Ayimba had a stellar playing career and an even better one coaching the Shujaa as he led them to their maiden leg win in Singapore 7s during the 2016 HSBC World Series season.