Why this fast-rising prop Anduvate adores Kenya Sevens great Ambaka

Harold Anduvate [Courtesy]

He makes his debut in Kenya Sevens at the Hamilton and Sydney legs.

Nobody ever thought of Menengai Oilers producing  national team, Shujaa, players for the World Sevens Series barely three seasons after their formation.

But after the debuts of centre Eric Ombasa and winger Sam Muregi it’s now the turn for their captain and fourth year Egerton University bachelor of Procurement and Supply chain management student Harold Anduvate, 20, to  show his prowess at the Hamilton and Sydney legs.

You have finally earned your Kenya Sevens call up for the Hamilton and Sydney legs, how do you feel? Is this the best time for you and your four teammates (William Reeve, Eliakim Kichoi, Mark Wandeto and Brian Wandera) to make your World Seven Series debuts?

Obviously it’s a huge moment for me and the rest of the team. It’s really an exciting moment. I believe it is every players’ dream to don the red and green shirt. So, shelving the circumstances we’re facing as a team at the moment, it’s a dream come true for me and those boys out there.

What can Kenyans expect from the team in Hamilton and Sydney legs after a poor start to the 2018/2019 World Sevens Series season?

Although we’ve not had a good run since December, the boys are really hungry for success and we’ve been pushed to our limits. Just like the fans, we are looking forward to an improved performance in the two weekends and hopefully make an impact on the table standings. It’s just a matter of time before the results start coming.

Shujaa is currently ranked 14th on the overall table standings, do you think the team will survive relegation this season?

Of course yes. That’s what everyone one is working for. There is a lot of commitment and belief in the team.

Do you think the absence of the eleven senior players is a big blow to the team?

As young players, we would have loved to have the senior players in camp for us to get an opportunity to learn a lot from them as well as improve in vital aspects of the game.

Given chance, what would you change in the Kenyan rugby?

Mmmh!! The Union has hard its ups and downs for the last recent years,but I believe our brighter days are yet to come.

Which teammate is your most trusted friend and confidant?

When you’re in such an environment that is cultured, every player gets to be your friend but I do hang out a lot with Humwa (Herman) and Onyala (Vincent).

Who’s the player you watch on the pitch and say, “He’s something special to watch.”?

Waaau!! Watching the big Willy Ambaka play is amazing. I really admire his style of play, He’s a quite specimen and a mentor.

What is your favourite meal?

I’ve quite a number but chicken biryani takes it.

What one thing can’t you leave the house without?

Lol! My phone and comb.

What do you like to do on your day off? And where do you like to go?

First,I always try to catch up with my school work when free. I also hang out with friends ,read novels watch the best AGT auditions, cover songs on you tube and rugby matches.

Who was your first crush and first kiss?

Hahaha!! I reckon I haven’t had a crush yet, so to say.

Who is your favourite musician and what kind of music do you enjoy most?

Though I listen to a lot of pop, house and Swahili/bongo music, Otile Brown remains my favourite musician.

Who do you think is the best sportsman/woman of all time and why do you think so?

I’ll go with former All Black captain Richie macCaw. He’s a true warrior, really dominated the 15s version of the sport and defined the Sevens game.

Why did you pick on your current sport and what would you have been if not a sports person?

I was actually a hockey goalkeeper before I switched to rugby in high school (Menengai). The moment I tried it I felt I had found a home.

What are your pre and post match rituals?

Before a match, I always try my best to stay calm as I listen to music and meditate. Then after matches, I mostly concentrate on my recovery.

If you had a choice of a country to be born in, which one will it be?

Definitely Kenya. We’ve such a beautiful country. We’re blessed.

How much do you think you are worth?

Hehehe! I don’t think I’m at liberty to discuss that presently.

Do you have any competitive desire to play abroad?

Life is all about progress and building yourself. If the opportunity presents itself I’ll definitely embrace it. Super rugby in South Africa is my dream destination.

What other sport(s) do you love to play, and how would you rate your skills?

I’m an apt basketball fan, but I do play bit of snooker. I’m just a beginner, so I can’t rate myself at the moment.

How do you want the world to remember you in sports?

I just pray for more life to do great things. People will forget what you said and did, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Therefore, I want to be remembered as a person who made an impact in someone’s life.

 

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