Its his day off and sleeping is all he can think of. William Ambaka a.k.a Kenyan ‘Lomu’ needs no introduction to the Kenya Rugby fraternity.
The former Kenya Harlequins winger has cut out a niche for himself in the rugby circles, but he admits his journey is far from over. His passion for rugby has just kept growing bigger since he first held a rugby ball in 2005.
He laughs at the memory of being introduced to rugby by his friends Brian Omino and Stephen Mbaya just a few months after his family moved to Nairobi from Eldoret. He had played soccer growing up and rugby presented a challenge he has come to love rising up to.
It all started at RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road. I got adopted into the rugby family which has been very kind to me. The support I got from my family after I decided to play, especially from my mum and my coaches especially Geoffrey Kimani is what gives me the morale to keep playing rugby. – Willy Ambaka
I caught up with Ambaka in Cape Town where he is now based, as part of DHL Western Province team that plays in the Vodacom Cup. Previously he played pro for Lou Rugby in France, helping the side win the Division 2 Championship to advance to Division 1. His jovial nature outweighs his need to rest on his off day but he quickly states how important it is for him to stick to his routine.
When he made the move, he had sustained an injury while training with the national fifteens side, and for a moment he thought it was a career ending injury.
His journey through rehabilitation is what made him feel at home at WP. He felt welcome and appreciated. The helpful and supportive nature of his teammates. He speaks fondly of Josh Katzen in whom he found a big brother. He can now take contact comfortably and looks forward to every game.
What he misses about home..
I miss mum’s cooking. It made it difficult for me to decide which meal is my favorite – I just looked forward to getting home to that hot plate. I miss my family and friends back home. I miss the fans – they made every game worth looking forward to, made me want to be better than the previous game.
On playing for Kenya..
I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to wear the Kenyan jersey. Representing my country remains one of my goals. I want to be a rugby legend, to put Kenya in the right place on the rugby map, at the top. I know people call me Lomu because they liken me to him, but I’m far from achieving what I want – to be the best.
I look forward to competing for a place in the Kenya Sevens team to play in the Olympic Qualifiers then ultimately the Olympics. Yes we will definitely qualify and win a medal at the Olympics. If we reached the semis at the Sevens Rugby World Cup then why not reach finals at the Olympics? I know the team has had a turbulent season but I still believe they’ll find their footing.
I will also compete for a spot in the Kenya 15s squad and be part of the journey towards qualifying for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. I was looking forward to playing in the qualifiers last year but I got injured before I could play. I’m hopeful that my schedule will allow me to play more games for Kenya 15s.
On rugby in Kenya..
I believe rugby in Kenya can go pro. Somehow we have managed to do so much with so little. They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step – if the steps Kenya is taking continue heading in the right direction then one day playing rugby will be a profession in Kenya.
Parting shot..
Success is knowing and loving God. If you use your God-given talent then you will continue to reap the rewards. I hope that my journey will one day inspire a child somewhere to want to play rugby when they grow up.
