IT seems just like yesterday when Rwanda’s rugby 7s team, the Silverbacks, set off for Hong Kong in what they thought was a once in a lifetime adventure. From March 19 to April 1 many will relieve the experience while the new entrants will be or are awestruck.Once again, Times Sport will give you profiles of those who will be representing their nation on a stage we are yet to get used to.
Vincent Kamali
Winger/Captain
He might have earned the captain’s armband due to former captain Juma Mugabo’s unrelenting knee injury, but Vincent Kamali did not come as a surprise. The powerfully built quick footed winger is captain to the country’s top team, the Remera Buffaloes.
Kamali, a no nonsense fellow on and off the pitch is expected to draw from last year’s Hong Kong experience to lead his team to victory.
"Last year because of the jitters, we managed a Plate trophy runner up position. This year, our sights are on the main trophy,” he recently said during a team drink-up with Dave Hughes who is behind the Hong Kong dream.
Coko Marcel Cambara
Centre/vice Captain
Coko Marcel Cambara, that’s what you will find in his Passport but on the rugby ground he also called hard tackler, had hitter, hard runner!! He is a hard guy! As vice Captain he is sure to cause damage to all opponents.
The National University of Rwanda student was also part of Hong Kong 1. He therefore won’t be fazed by the spectacle that is Hong Kong.
Lucien Bikamba
Fly-half
One of Rwanda’s pioneer rugby players, Lucien Bikamba, brings a lot of experience to the national side. He might love his fun off the pitch but when it comes to rugby, there are no jokes.
His boot which has earned him the nickname ‘Wilkinson’ after England’s star kicker Jonny Wilkinson will surely come handy. He has also improved in the speed department.
His confidence must be on a high due to the Amahoro stadium based Be Fit gym sessions accorded the national team.
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