Mudavadi's Message To Collins Injera After Rugby Retirement

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi penned a celebratory message to veteran Kenya Sevens rugby Collins Injera who announced his retirement on Tuesday, January 24.

In a statement, Mudavadi appreciated Injera's talent which became an inspiration for Kenyan fanatics not just in rugby but generally in life.

The former Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader reminded his followers that there is a time one keeps on going and a time one ultimately decides that the season has passed.

"Collins, you are gifted, and to many, you’ve given. You’ve taught us to believe. Not just in enjoying our favourite game of rugby. It didn’t come easy. But you never gave up. You know when it’s time to play, sit out and say; it’s enough.

"The Bible in Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, teaches us “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens”.  At the prime of 36, your exit timing is perfect. But as Shakespeare would advise, ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON’. You’re a gift to many," he wrote.

Collins Injera during a past Kenya Sevens rugby game. /TWITTER

Mudavadi appreciated Injera for leaving behind a void that would be filled by the many he inspired while playing the game of rugby both at the club and international levels.

"You’ve merely left the stage for others, the many you inspired. And your testimony speaks volumes about the tenderness of your heart. Generations to come will remember this man who lovingly spoke of the sweat, bruises and blood – for the love of the game.

"Collins Injera, I see you’ve merely stepped off the pitch. Into the world of philanthropy, you’ve gone, fully. I couldn’t recommend a better bench for your time off. I wish you the best, Legend," he concluded.

The Daystar University alumni, who scored the second most tries in the World Rugby 7s series, announced his retirement earlier on, stating that he had to listen to his body first before making the decision.

“Everything must come to an end, sometime. I have always said that I will know it’s time because my body will tell me. And for the past few months, it has really ‘spoken’ to me so, finally, I have decided to listen to it.

"As hard as this is for me, after 17 years of literal blood, sweat and tears, it’s time to step away from this great game that has given me so much more than I could ever ask for,” he wrote.

His decision to hang the boots comes just two weeks after he became the 12th person to be inducted into Fiji’s Rugby Town Walk of Fame.

The 36-year-old star is Kenya's all-time World Sevens Series top try scorer and second-highest try scorer at the World Sevens Series with 271 tries. The star who rose from the junior category to become one of the most decorated rugby players in the world has represented Kenya in the two rugby versions.

His retirement thus brings down the curtains to a career spanning almost two decades with numerous accolades achieved along the way.

Injera helped Kenya win her maiden tournament in the World Rugby Series in Singapore in 2016 scoring the famous last-minute kick that took Shujaa to the Main cup final where they stunned Fiji 30-7.

“It's now time for me to spend much-needed quality time with you. Thank you, mum, dad and Linda, for all the prayers, advice and support. My brothers, Tall and Mike, we did it! We managed to play together both locally and internationally.

"To all my teammates, coaches, management and opponents, thank you all for the memories we have created both on and off the field. We have shared some very high and low moments together. Thank you for being part of my journey and helping me achieve my dreams," his statement added.

Injera announced that for his next chapter, he would continue with his humanitarian work and will be joining the global satellite business (and UN Sustainable Development Goals Quality Education Partner), Avanti Communications, in an exciting new role to support its East African operations.

Former Kenya Sevens head coach Mike Friday appreciated Injera for his services to the game noting he had good memories from his tenure as Shujaa tactician. He led Kenyans in appreciating Injera for the memories he gave the country.

Portrait of Collins Injera in Kenya Sevens colours. /TWITTER.ERIC NJIRU