Shujaa ace Billy ‘The Kid’ Odhiambo announces retirement from rugby

The men’s national rugby 7s team, Shujaa, has lost another experienced member after fan-favourite Billy ‘The Kid’ Odhiambo announced his retirement from rugby on Tuesday 7 November 2023, bringing an end to his eleven-year playing career in the sport.

In an official post via his social media platforms, Billy called time on his career on the day that he turned 30 years of age as he thanked the various individual as well as the fans who have accompanied through the journey since making his debut as a 19-year-old back in 2012 in Port Elizabeth.

“As I mark my 30th Birthday and cross over to a new decade, I want to take this chance to announce my retirement from the sport that I love so much.

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God has been so good to me ever since I donned that shirt for the first time in 2012 at Port Elizabeth up until the last time in London this year. 11 good years of God’s Grace and favor,” Billy posted.

“To my loving parents who have supported me throughout this whole journey, I can’t thank you enough. My siblings Awuor, who was also my manager, Tim and Fiona I thank you for always being in my corner.

My wife ZamZam and my sons Zafar and Zaheem who have been my rock, you were part of my ‘why’, I thank you and I love you.

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All my coaches, managements, mentors, teammates and even opponents who have been part of my journey, I thank you for believing in me and making me a better man.

To you the fans who have stood by me and held me accountable throughout this journey, I thank you and I love you all. Excited to see what the future holds in store,” the winger who played for Mwamba RFC added.

Odhiambo retires from the 7s team as only the fourth player to have hit 100 tries for the team after record try scorer Collins Injera (279), Humprey Kayange (159), Willy Ambaka (135) and then his 111 in 68 tournaments.

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He also joins Injera and Ambaka among the retirees after the duo did the same a while ago.

Meanwhile, the 7s team, currently under the stewardship of Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua are gearing up for the Safari 7s returning from 17-19 November 2023 following a one-year hiatus.

Twelve teams have confirmed their participation in the event set to take place at the RFUEA Grounds.

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