NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 24 – After 17 years at the top level, Kenya’s celebrated rugby 7s star Collins Injera announced on Tuesday that he would be hanging his boots.
Injera exits the playing scene with an enviable record, which includes the second highest try maker in the 7s scene with 279, 424 matches played and 1443 points (the 9th all time).
Additionally, Injera led Shujaa, the national 7s side, to the Singapore Sevens title in 2016.
Expectedly, rugby fans across the world came together on social media to salute the man who was recently inducted by Fiji into the walk of fame as well as in the Sports Personality of Year (SOYA) Hall of Fame this past Friday.
Below are some of the tributes from different people on Twitter:
Collins Injera announces his retirement.
— Wesley Kibande (@This_is_Kibande) January 24, 2023
What a career ! What a person! What a GOAT!
Kenya will take time to get someone like this as far as rugby is concerned. pic.twitter.com/LpG0cgGJIZ
In a world where the word is overused, Collins Injera is a true legend.
— Daudi Were (@dkwere) January 24, 2023
Happy international retirement @cinjera
Thanks for the memories. @OfficialKRU@WorldRugby7s @MwambaRFC #rugby#rugby7s#KenyaRugby#Kenya7s#rugbyXVs#rugbyAfrica#CollinsInjera #Injera#rfamily pic.twitter.com/SnMr8KZrcz
Collins Injera. You made KENYA proud. It was exciting as we watched you through the motions both locally and internationally.
— COmbeta (@OmbetaC) January 24, 2023
🙏🙏
Your place in Sports history is already engraved
— Francis Mutuku (@FrancisMutuku) January 24, 2023
Wishing you more tries as you transition from active play @cinjera#itsapassion pic.twitter.com/4CwRHFPA1q
Also saluting the former Mwamba RFC player was Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who, in a series of tweets, pointed out Injera’s determination and passion for rugby over the years.
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. pic.twitter.com/4LkjAjFAZe
— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) January 24, 2023
For others, Injera’s retirement was an opportunity to reminiscence when he celebrated his record try by signing an autograph on a pitchside $25,000 camera (Kes 3.1million).
Collins Injera only man who can afford to sign not on the paper but on the camera,Shunjaa pic.twitter.com/xNzN5KaItu
— Hesborn Siundu (@SiunduHesborn) January 24, 2023
Mwamba RFC were also quick to pay homage to their alumnus, describing him as a leader who has inspired other players at the club whenever he pulled on the traditional black jersey of Kulabu.
The man.
— Mwamba Rugby Football Club (@MwambaRFC) January 24, 2023
The myth.
The legend.
Forever a Kulabu!
Happy retirement @cinjera pic.twitter.com/SEbeQDV494
Injera, who is the most capped player in Kenya (79) has featured in three Commonwealth Games (2010 in Delhi, India, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland and 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia.
He has also played in two Olympic Games at the 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and 2020 Tokyo, Japan.
Following his retirement, Injera is expected to continue with his humanitarian work and will be joining global satellite business (and UN Sustainable Development Goals Quality Education Partner), Avanti Communications.
