You made us proud: Kenyans pay tribute to retiring legend Collins Injera
There is an almost universal outpouring of love, respect and appreciation for Collins Injera after the Kenya sevens rugby legend officially announced his retirement on social media after a chequered career spanning for almost two decades.
The 36-year-old, who a fortnight ago was inducted in the Fiji Rugby Hall of Fame, announced his retirement from the game in a statement on Tuesday.
He is Kenya’s all-time World Sevens Series top try scorer and second highest try scorer at the World Sevens Series with 279 tries.
Coach Mike Friday who once coached the Kenya 7s national team was among those who has wished Injera well in his next chapter.
“It was a pleasure to hunt with you Kolo – Helluva career and you made Kenya proud, enjoy the next chapter and the 3 wise men you have earned it … Big Love Otoyo,” Friday tweeted.
It was a pleasure to hunt with you Kolo – Helluva career and you made Kenya proud ….enjoy the next chapter and the 3 wise men you have earned it …Big Love Otoyo #ThisIsKenya #ShujaaPride
— Mike Friday (@MikeFriday09) January 24, 2023
Also read: Kenya 7s star player Collins Injera hangs his boots
Injera said in his next chapter, he will continue with his humanitarian work and will be joining global satellite business Avanti Communications, a UN Sustainable Development Goals Quality Education Partner, in an exciting new role to support its East African operations.
The list of Kenyans, friends, coaches paying tribute on social media was almost endless. Here are just a few:
Sevens legend Collins Injera has announced his retirement.
▪️279 tries (2nd all time) ✅
▪️1443 points scored(9th all time) ✅
▪️424 matches played ✅
▪️ 1 leg won(Singapore 7s, 2016) ✅Thank you @cinjera. #Kenya7s pic.twitter.com/zzbr1ezcgJ
— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) January 24, 2023
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There is a case to be made for @cinjera being the finest sportsperson Kenya has ever produced.
The great man announces his retirement today. Go well, champ. May this nation communicate its deepest and most eternal gratitude to him. https://t.co/KoI6QophgJ
— Wallace Kantai (@wgkantai) January 24, 2023
Thank you for the memories Collins Injera, for the highs and lows… All the best in your next chapter. #AsanteInjera 🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/vrtt5EUwZe
— Stephen Musyoka (@smusyoka) January 24, 2023
Collins Injera has announced his retirement from Rugby
.."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..”
Legend. pic.twitter.com/yHOPUZ2CFZ
— Kieni Githinji (@KieniGithinji) January 24, 2023
You have made Kenya proud! Asante sana
— Nations (@WinnieKamau254) January 24, 2023
Thank you for giving us joy watching you and for flying our flag very high.
All the best in your new ventures.— Mrs. Kwadjo Omari Owuo (@LarrieStacia) January 24, 2023
You came. You saw. And you conquered!!! A timeless champ through and through. Hongera Kaka!
— John R Njiru (@njiru_john) January 24, 2023
Well in,Kenya’s great. You raised the bar really high,lifted the game to levels unprecedented. Happy retirement,all the very best in your next chapter,as you continue to contribute to the game. Asante
— Micky (@Michael_ouma) January 24, 2023