Menengai Oilers stalwart John Okoth has revealed that the disappointment of missing the Ultimate Sevens Championship has not been completely wiped away despite winning the Christie 7s, their first title since 2022.
Okoth missed the Embu 7s as he prepared for a chance to play at the inaugural Ultimate 7s Championship in London.How teams have contributed players to the national teams for Safari 7sHe was set to represent Club Taran in the global rugby sevens competition, but visa issues ultimately prevented him from travelling to the United Kingdom.“I missed the Embu 7s because of preparations for the Ultimate 7s, but it never happened. After finding out that I would not be going, I had to come back and represent my club. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9962411##At least we got some positive results here at the Christie 7s, so it was worth it,” Okoth said.
Okoth returned in time to play a key role for Menengai Oilers at the 60th edition of the Christie 7s, where the club claimed its maiden title in the 2026 circuit after defeating Strathmore Leos 24-12 in the final.Willis Ojal lists reasons for stepping down as Strathmore Leos coachThe triumph provided him with a measure of consolation after missing out on the London adventure.“Winning our first title since 2022, of course, feels special. I cannot even explain it,” he said.
However, the Christie 7s success has not completely erased the disappointment of missing the Ultimate 7s.“The Christie 7s title has not really wiped away the disappointment of not going to the Ultimate 7s. It has been disappointing that some of us, me included, did not go. Winning the Christie 7s brushes off the disappointment a little bit, so I will take it,” he said.Three LA28 Olympics qualification pathways available for Shujaa and LionessesOkoth’s disappointment is understandable given what was at stake for the Kenyan players selected for the Ultimate 7s. He was particularly disappointed to miss out on the experience.“I was very disappointed when I got the news that I was not going to London. Of course, I was looking forward to playing there.
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It is always a good feeling and a great experience playing out there with the best players, getting to know them, learning about new cultures and picking up new skills,” he said.The Oilers star believes such opportunities are important not only for individual players but also for the development of Kenyan rugby.
“It helps us grow, and it helps our rugby grow, even with Shujaa. But we will take it because maybe it was not meant to happen. Hopefully, next year I will go,” he explained.The Ultimate 7s Championship is set to conclude in London, and the Kenyan players could potentially make their way into the competition for the final leg if they are able to travel.