Kenya's Home Away from Home is the LA 7s
Kenya's Home Away from Home is the LA 7s
Long known for their huge fan following at the USA stop on the Sevens World Series, Kenya is more than just a pretty face.
Despite some significant obstacles, such as keeping the program supported and having their players balance rugby, work, and studies, Kenya is a team no one ever wants to play.
Consistency has been the Lions' issue, mostly thanks to those obstacles we mentioned above, and maybe that's why they have seen a slow start to the 2022-23 World Series season. But take a look at how they ended the 2021-22 season and you get a sense of what they can do.
Paced by a very strong tournament from captain Willy Ambaka and with Alvin Otieno leading the team in tries with his elusiveness and low center of gravity, Kenya made the Cup Quarterfinals in the LA 7s in August, much to the delight of their many fans in the stadium.
They have talent and players in their prime, but coming out of COVID was difficult for Kenya, said Ambaka. The players are working hard, and they have some perspective as to where they are, but top of mind is just to perform for their fans. going through tough games teaches them the lessons. "That's the most important thing, like, you know what to do better," said the captain.
And playing in LA?
"It feels like home with the weather ... and the community around here coming to support the boys," said Ambaka. "It's hard [during the game] but they keep us working out there. We just don't want to led down the 14-million plus people doing an honest day's job and just giving back to them."
So it seems like a give and take for both sides of it. The fans love to see their Kenyan team play on US soil, and it's that energy that fires up the Kenyan team. Both should be in full voice in LA in February.
