Kenya rugby legend Collins Injera had an open discussion with Springbok Bryan Habana recounting some of the priceless moments of their careers.
Collins Injera who was once told he was ‘too small for rugby’ is now one of Kenya’s most celebrated athletes as a key member of the Kenyan 7-aside Rugby team. As captain, he led the Shujaa team to a series of victories across the globe on the World Sevens Series circuit.
Injera had a chat with South African Bryan Habana going down memory lane of their prolific careers. And of course, answering some of the questions posed by fans the twosome opened up about competing at the highest level of rugby. Injera referred to his 2016 Singapore Sevens win. Recounting the electric experience, Injera noted that for Kenya that win not only boosted team morale but united Kenya making way for more oppurtunities for the sport nationwide. He said, “It just opened doors and inspired a whole generation, a whole nation, and it brought everyone together.”
Speaking on what kept him motivated Habana throughout his career, he said “I didn’t just want to be a one-time Springbok. I didn’t just want to score one or two tries. I potentially wanted to be the first player of color that played 100 test matches for my country.” He added, “I think that it’s in those times of adversity that you learn quite a bit about yourself.”
A champion for encouraging morale and team spirit, Injera’s 200th try in 2015 was an important moment not only for the individual but also for African rugby. He remembered that he played a couple of games with a marker in his socks waiting to score the 200th try. He also was glad that he did not get fined for the celebration where he signed a camera.
Collins has set the bar high in various aspects of the Kenya Sevens team. Injera holds the record for ‘Most Tries’ with 279, ‘Top Scorer’ with 1,443 as well as the ‘Most Caps’ with 78 to his name.
To watch the full Mastercard Priceless interview with Collins Injera and Bryan Habana click here.
