Ovwamu over the moon after earning Simbas call-up for South Africa tour

Menengai Oilers rising star Samuel Ovwamu is excited after earning a call-up to the Simbas' final 33-man squad set to jet out to South Africa for a scheduled tour and test matches.

In-form Ovwamu described the moment as a 'dream come true', after national 15s head coach Jerome Paarwater named his travelling squad following Kenya’s 54-24 victory over UAE at the weekend.

“First of all, it's a nice feeling making the 33-man squad travelling to South Africa. I think it's been a big lesson for me looking at where I've come from and where I am; learning, trying to know more and understanding how rugby is. So I thank God because he has been there for me all through and I was really praying to make the squad; here I am now and I'm very happy,” said Ovwamu. 

The Menengai Oilers center is now targeting a starting role in the national team.

“I'm expecting a lot because I believe I'm still in that process of learning, so I believe I'm capable of proving myself, getting to know where I want to go and where I have come from. So, travelling to South Africa, I know that I'm going to learn a lot there.” 

The former Daystar Falcons player has been in scintillating form in his debut Kenya Cup campaign for Oilers, and credits his growth to coach Paarwater.

“It's like going to a place that you've never been before (working with Jerome). First of all, it was difficult to understand him and cope up with what he wants, it was a process of me getting to understand each and every step that he used to show us. One thing about Jerome, he believes in young players and that's why he gave me the opportunity and I'm grateful. He's a nice coach. I've really learnt a lot from Jerome (Paarwater),” noted Ovwamu.

Paarwater used the UAE match to select his 33-man travelling squad, after fielding three different sides during the match.