NOV GGAAMMEE LLIIVVEE!! 2020

C A S T I N G H I S N E T W I D E

Geoffrey Okwach: Law student, rugby player, entrepreneur

U N S T O P P A B L E

Peris Mukoko among Africa's unstoppables

C R O S S I N G T H E B R I D G E

Felix Oloo's transition from player to coach FOREWORD

Welcome to the November edition of Game Live. IWe Nare glad to note that activity is slowly picking up and soon we may be back on the pitch.

The Fixtures Committee has released draft fixture options for perusal and TfeedbackH is coming iIn. S We await the monthly review of Return to Play Guidelines to know the way forward. IVia Sthis and oSther onlinUe platformEs we continue to engage and get feedback. Please visit those as well for more content.

This month we feature our first guest writer, thank you Biggie.

We encourage more people to reach out with their Stories and features for our inclusion.

We thank you for taking the time to read this - Stay Active and Stay Safe.

Thomas Odundo Director of Rugby

GAME LIVE | 2 IN THIS ISSUE EDITORIAL 05 OKWACH CASTS HIS NET WIDE Law student, rugby player and "Another month, another edition of Game Live! entrepreneur: The story of Geoffrey Okwach Did you know about Geoffrey Okwach's ambitions or Peris 11 UNSTOPPABLE Mukoko's thoughts on being unstoppable? Well, you have Peris Mukoko is one of Africa's unstoppables a chance to. 14 CROSSING THE BRIDGE We also have a guest piece from James "Biggie" Njenga and Felix Oloo's transition from player to pay tribute to a true rugby man, John Gichinga. coach

We have not forgotten about the rugby for beginners 20 REMEMBERING JOHN GICHINGA segment. Veteran rugby man rests

Enjoy the publication and feel free to give us feedback via 21 WORLD 10S SERIES email [email protected] Kenyan stars to grace innovative tournament

Michael Kwambo & Wambui Mumbi 24 RUGBY FOR BEGINNERS GAME LIVE | 3

OKWACH CASTS HIS NET WIDE Law student, rugby player and entrepreneur: The story of Geoffrey Okwach

Geoffrey Okwach in full flight against South Africa during the 2020 Hamilton Sevens/Photo/World Rugby A St. Mary’s Yala alumni, a law student at the Okwach went on to represent his school in Catholic University of East Africa and Kenyan various rugby competitions and once he International -21 year old Geoffrey Okwach finished his secondary education, the first got his inspiration to join rugby back in high club he joined was the Northern Suburbs school where he had started off as a before progressing to his current club, KCB. basketball player but later switched to rugby as it was much more competitive. Upon the realization that the competition at KCB is stiffer than he anticipated, he vowed At the time Okwach joined the school, it had to live by his daily mantra, “if I give up, already produced several rugby stars who somebody else wins.” went on to play for some of Kenya’s top clubs; This is something which has keeps him going Derrick Wamalwa, Arthur Shikwe, Leslie even now as he is part of both the National Mango, David Omondi,Moses Kola, George Sevens and Fifteens teams . Scott, Teddy Omondi, George Mbaye, Patrice Agunda, Kevin Keegan, Lavin Asego, Eden Agero just to name a few and he(Okwach) wanted to join this list of rugby greats. GAME LIVE! | 5 Geoffrey Okwach in action for Kenya during the 2019 Barthes U20 final against Namibia in

2019 A MASSIVE YEAR FOR OKWACH

2019 was a massive year for Okwach, not only Joining KRU Championship side Northern did he achieve success with Chipu but he also Suburbs after completing his studies at went ahead to win that year’s Stanbic Bank Yala was an eye opening experience for the National Sevens Circuit and represent Simbas youngster. and Shujaa respectively. He crowned off the year by being awarded the Most Promising Male He says,” The culture at Suburbs was Athlete at the Sports Personality of the Year amazing. We were always there for each Award (SOYA Awards). other. The spirit of brotherhood was unlike anything else. We would even raise money among ourselves just to honor league GETTING INTO RUGBY fixtures and tournaments.”

Commenting on the move to current club, He says, “ I was motivated to get into rugby KCB, Okwach says, “ I knew the because of the allure of leaving school for environment I was entering was tough and outings. I almost contemplated going back to competitive, and this meant me putting in basketball after receiving a thumping tackle the hard work.” from Trevor Odawa (now at Mean Machine). He popped out of nowhere and tackled me just as I The winger was fortunate to earn call ups about to score my first ever try.” to the Kenya U20s (Chipu), the men’s senior national team (Simbas) and the men’s national sevens team (Shujaa) all in 2019.o

GAME LIVE!|6

Geoffrey Okwach supports John Okoth during the 2019 Victoria Cup win against Zambia in Nairobi

EXPERIENCE WITH CHIPU AND SHUJAA BEST AND WORST MOMENTS IN RUGBY

Speaking about his experience with Chipu, Rugby, just like life has its highs and lows. Okwach says, “ the chemistry within the Okwach notes that winning the Most Promising team was unbelievable and I believe this Male Athlete at the 2019 SOYA Awards is his best played a big part in our victory at the rugby moment to date. Barthes Cup and subsequent qualification to the World Rugby Junior Trophy in Brazil.” He also cites the call ups to the Simbas and Shujaa as being significant memories. “The call up to Shujaa was a great experience. The welcome I received from the His worst moment in rugby to date? The likes of , , Jeff realization that Kenya is still not yet where it Oluoch, to name but a few should be in the game of rugby.” helped me settle into the squad and gave me a sense of belief.” The experience in Brazil during the 2019 World Rugby Junior Trophy was an eye opener but I know that we can improve.”

GAME LIVE! |8 Geoffrey Okwach in action for KCB during the 2019 National Sevens Circuit leg in at the Kinoru Stadium in Meru County, Kenya

LESSONS FROM RUGBY AND BUSINESS This however as he says, is a first of many VENTURES as he intends to broaden the business and tap into other markets not just the food Discipline and brotherhood are some of the industry. values he has learnt from this sport. “Rugby has taught me so much. The values that we Due to the covid19 pandemic, he has faced employ in this sport are truly beneficial to us several challenges especially on the even beyond it because they build our financial front since some of his customers character.” had to cut down on their expenses. He has however managed to weather this storm For a very long time, Okwach has been and Qwachfoods remains operational. working on having his own business so much so that over the years, he has been saving up He admits that juggling school, rugby and to start one. work is not easy but his yearning for certain achievements in the three fields is “Being my own Boss is something that what gets him up in the morning and pushes me to better myself. I want to build pushes him to be better. Okwach wants to my own empire that will help a lot of people don the National Team colours for many in the future. years to come and also turn into a pro- rugby player, he wants to see his business His love for food propelled him to start his flourish and is working hard to become one Qwachfoods business where he sells a of Kenya’s best lawyers. “I want to conquer variety of fresh meats and chilies to the list. the unconquered.” He concludes.

UNSTOPPABLE Peris Mukoko is one of Africa's unstoppables

Peris Mukoko

Rugby Africa officially presented its She is a certified World Rugby licensed Educator ‘Unstoppables’ as it launched the continental (First Female in Kenya and Third in Africa), an #TryAndStopUs campaign to fast-track the active Level 2 Rugby Referee (since 2008), development of women’s rugby in Africa on 5th nominated by Confederation of African Rugby October 2020. (CAR) as one of the 3 leading Women Referees in Africa (2016). This social media campaign will run for the next three months showcasing Africa’s She was coopted into the Kenya Rugby Union diversity with twelve Unstoppable Board in 2019 and has been serving in the Ambassadors. Women’s Rugby docket since.

Kenya Rugby’s nominee Peris Mukoko who wears different hats in the game has been selected as one of the twelve ambassadors as she continues to display passion and enthusiasm for rugby.

GAME LIVE! | 11 We caught up with Peris after her selection and here’s what she had to say,

GAME LIVE: How does it feel to be chosen as Rugby Africa's Unstoppables?

Peris Mukoko: I am elated and humbled to have been selected as one of Rugby Africa’s Unstoppables.

To represent Kenya for this wonderful project puts not only Kenya on the map but Africa on the global scale of the growth of Women’s rugby Fast forward to almost a decade later, we both in Kenya and Africa. have a Kenya Rugby Women’s rugby festival that cuts across 3 different counties with over GAME LIVE: What does it mean to you and to 200 girls and women participating in the game women's rugby? almost all year round in both 7s & 15s.

Peris Mukoko: It’s quite humbling because rugby An increase in international fixtures and also in this part of the world has always been a male the qualifications and participation in the dominated sport. Olympics is further proof of the growth of the game in Kenya. To see the deliberate focus on the continent to grow the game really embodies one of rugby’s As much as these statistics touch on the unique core values - ‘a sport for all’! players, we have also seen a growing trend that we will continue to tap into as the This campaign will empower more women and support systems of the playing unit which is girls to take up and own different roles in the part of Rugby Africa and World Rugby’s game of rugby and continue to grow the sport as agenda through this campaign of part of World Rugby’s objective. ‘Unstoppable.’

GAME LIVE: what would you say about the growth of Women's rugby in Kenya? GAME LIVE: Your message to the upcoming female players/referees/coaches? Peris Mukoko: It has really grown and is coming of age. This is quite evident from having only two Peris Mukoko: You have a role to play both on clubs back in 2005-2008 with one or two and off the field as part of rugby. And as much seasonal competition fixtures in Nairobi and one as it’s not a full time professional sport yet, international fixture with about only 40 active continue to pursue your education because players. you can still serve the sport in different capacities and transition into different roles in future.

GAME LIVE! | 12

CROSSING THE BRIDGE Felix Oloo on the transition from playing to coaching

Former Nakuru backrow Felix Oloo who now doubles up as the Nakuru RFC and Kenya Women Head Coach By James Macharia Njenga When did he decide that he wanted to be a coach? Life after active playing can be very challenging. Too many options to choose from. One can “In 2006 I went to Kamagambo Adventist decide to trade the shorts and boots for suits College. Unfortunately, there was no rugby so I and enter the management game or grab the decided to introduce it; and with a string of whistle and officiate. Many times, however, the lucky games and wins, people started to believe odds lean heavily on coaching. in me as a coach,” he points out.

Kenya Lioness Coach Felix Oloo believes that After college, Oloo turned his focus to age grade coaching is a calling. “Being a coach especially and women’s rugby. At Nakuru, he started at the top level demands a lot and you have to coaching young players aged between 6 and 13 be sure you want to be a coach to succeed,” he years at a school he used to work in, New Life says. International. As a result, he has made two trips to England Oloo played his last game for Nakuru RFC in (2011 and 2013) where his passion for coaching 2017, putting an end to an illustrious 15-year received a boost. playing career. He won two titles and an . GAME LIVE! | 14 Felix Oloo, partly hidden, third from right was part of the Nakuru squad that won the Kenya Cup in 2013 and 2014/Photo/OSBKE “Before the two England trips, I used to neglect a lot of things. Mine was to simply teach skills that I forgot about other aspects of coaching like planning and emotional intelligence,” says Oloo.

Not everyone will share the same vision. As expected, Nakuru RFC was not convinced of Oloo’s coaching abilities and the projects he was looking to introduce.

“It was a tough time, I had to look for other grounds and pay from my pocket. However, as soon as we started winning and proving that we deserved a chance, they incorporated us into their programs.”

It is every player’s dream to don the national team jersey. At some point in his life, Oloo had the same dream, to represent the country as a player. For Oloo, and unfortunate injury in 2011 meant that dream was over but fuelled his passion to represent the country as a coach.

GAME LIVE! | 15 Felix Oloo reaches for the ball with the late Tony Onyango closing in on him in Kenya Cup action from 2014

So what changes? Responsibilities; “Once you become a coach responsibilities pile up tenfold especially if you are dealing with kids. They depend a lot on you. For the senior teams and elite teams, these responsibilities come in different forms like countless meetings, planning of coaching calendar, media engagement, etc.” says Oloo.

One would also expect a change of behavior or culture too. “You begin to understand fully the effect your behavior can have on your players and the image of the team as a whole. Some things you used to do as a player have to be abandoned.”

“Your outlook of rugby also changes. As a player, I used to think that rugby is everything. As a coach, I see rugby as a tool to help me get what I want in life,” he adds.

GAME LIVE! | 16 Felix Oloo celebrates a successful defense in 2019 with the Kenya Lionesses/Photo/Ministry of Rugby/Arigi Obiero

In 2016, Benjamin Ayimba became the first Kenya Shujaa coach to win a HSBC World Sevens Series leg at the Singapore 7s. Innocent Simiyu is Kenya Shujaa’s most successful coach in terms of points.

Is there a relationship between success and former players turned coaches in the same team? “The important thing in the relationship between a coach and his/her players is trust. If players feel they can trust you then they will fight for you. Trust is easier to build if you were one of them,” opines Oloo.

For Oloo to fully realize his coaching potential, he needed guidance and counsel. The late Eric Situma, Kirori Mindo, and Gibson Weru came in handy. And even though he currently occupies a position he always dreamt of, he does not shy away from consulting those who are in better positions. “I consult a lot.

I consult with Innocent Simiyu, Paul Feeney, and even my predecessor, Kevin Muema. Learning never stops,” he says. GAME LIVE! | 17 Felix Oloo strategizes before a training session/Photo/Felix Oloo Understandably, such decisions as these can be tough. Oloo, the 2016 SOYA Awards Community Coach of the Year however has a piece of advice.

“Sit down and think carefully about what you want in life.

Coaching is a tough choice but very fulfilling. Never be afraid to fail, you never learn anything by winning all the time,” he concludes.

You want to be a coach?

Always remember, coaches equip people to be in touch with their best selves- Clyde Lowstuter. No matter how difficult it might seem, coaching is the best job.

GAME LIVE! | 18

REMEMBERING JOHN GICHINGA

Curtains fall on veteran rugby man

Veteran rugby man John Gichinga breathed his “He was also among the pioneering crop of last in early October 2020 aged 74. indigenous Kenyans who ventured in match officiating and was truly a rugby man. Described as a man of action, and a servant leader, Gichinga was an alumnus of Nairobi His contributions to the game will be eternally School and was among the founding members of remembered by all who interacted and Kenya's first indigenous rugby club, Mwamba associated with him. RFC. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family While at Mwamba, Gichinga served as the third and friends. chairman after founding chair Justus Mugaa M'impwii and the second chair Eng. Chris Njenga. REST IN PEACE JOHN GICHINGA A prop forward during his playing days, Gichinga 1946-2020 was part of the East African Tuskers squad that defeated hosts Zambia 21-13 in 1979. He was also capped by Kenya.

GAME LIVE! | 20 WAmbakaO, AmoRnde, DLenis Dand In jer1a fl0y KenSyan f lagS at inEnovaRtive toIurnEameSnt

With COVID19 having put paid to any chances of "We also have a few guys from the Kenya any high profile sevens action, four Kenya Sevens set-up and they will be wonderful Sevens players have an opportunity to taste additions to the squad as they exhibit their flair action courtesy of the 2020 World 10s series in and skills. We have gone for an all-African Bermuda. affair, pretty much, just to give the African boys an opportunity," Horne told SARugbymag.co.za. The quartet consists of Andrew Amonde, Collins Injera, Oscar Denis and Willy Ambaka and they The first round of matches is scheduled for will be part of SFX 10, a Cape Town based October 24-25 October, followed by Round 2, franchise under the tutelage of former South which takes place between October 31 to 1 Africa Sevens star Frankie Horne. November. The final round will be played at the National Sports Centre on November 7.The 10-a- side world 10's series comprises eight South African Sevens playmaker Cecil Afrika will privately-owned teams from around the globe, also offer his expertise and vast knowledge to featuring world-class players. The format the squad. Horne said he is delighted to have the offers opportunities for players from both the Kenyan boys in the squad for the event. XV and 7-a-side codes of rugby.

GAME LIVE! | 21 Collins Injera

The 2020 world 10's series will be played as a closed event with a high-quality broadcast production and global distribution set to wow fans around the world.

The World Tens Series has been developed to become the ‘IPL of rugby'.Bermuda’s robust testing programmes and Covid-19 protocols have ensured the island is now one of the safest places in the world, rated Level 2 by the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) along with only four other destinations.

The world 10's series will ensure all protocols and testing steps are taken to ensure a safe transition into a Bermuda ‘bubble.’All participants will adhere to Bermuda’s testing policies, including temperature checks and screening procedures daily.

GAME LIVE! | 22

R. F. B Rugby For Beginners

Tackle, Ruck & Maul

"As well as being an evasion game which requires creation and use of space, Rugby is also a contact sport. In fact, contact situations can be the very mechanism by which players create the space they need to attack.

The three most common contact situations which occur in open play are tackle, ruck and maul.

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