Kenya Sevens and Mwamba star Billy “The Kid" Odhiambo has retired.
The alumni of Maseno School debuted for the Kenya Sevens team in 2012 at the Port Elizabeth Sevens and went on to play for 11 years.
Odhiambo, who scored 111 tries for Shujaa, becomes the third player to hang his boots this year after top Sevens try scorer Collins Injera and Willy Ambaka.
In a statement on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), Odhiambo said: “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. 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 favour."
"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. All my coaches, management, 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," he added.
"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."
Odhiambo played in 68 World Sevens Series tournaments as well as the 2016 Olympics in Rio and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
He also featured at the 2014, 2018, and 2022 Commonwealth Games and at the World Cup Sevens in 2013, 2017, and 2022.
Odhiambo said he is yet to decide on his next assignment.
"I have not decided what am going to do yet. There are several plans I'm looking at and I will decide in due course."
Odhiambo, who played as a utility back — either on the wing or centre — said he would love to mentor the upcoming players.
“I want to help the next generation of Sevens stars in the country. Help them in their career growth and path to ensure they have long careers while enjoying the game," said Odhiambo.
Meanwhile, Odhiambo is hopeful that the national team will get all the support they need as they prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
"My message to the rest of the fraternity is to support the team. The journey to the World Seven Series starts now. It won't be easy but I am confident the team will make it," observed Odhiambo who featured for Kisumu, Strathmore and Mwamba in his club career.
