Archadius Khwesa first set his foot on a rugby pitch way back in 2012 at Kakamega High after he was chosen to run out for his class in the inter classes games.
He did impress and the big boys were on his neck to ensure he joins the school team training session. Khwesa was hesitant at first probably because of his small size but later on, in form two, gave in to the persistent demands of the majority of the senior players and decided to give it a try.
I started playing serious and competitive rugby while in form two at Kakamega School. I had an outstanding performance during form one rugby inter classes that a good number of senior players forced me to join rugby. By then I had a small size and scared of rugby. The other challenge was my parents were against the idea of me joining rugby” Khwesa told scrummage.
Khwesa would, later on, earn a playtime with the famous Kakamega Barbarians. His major achievement in high school was a third-place finish in the 2015 East Africa Games. Upon completion of his high school studies, Khwesa really loved to join Nakuru RFC but his dream didn’t come true. He then decided to join KCB rugby but also did not get a chance to showcase his capabilities.
The 83kg speedster would join Kenyatta University in 2016 and its here at Blak Blad that he was put on fray. Khwesa was as he is now a potent weapon for the varsity side especially in the shorter version of the game. His vision and acceleration make him a dangerous athlete who leaves defenders for dead especially on outside channels. 2017 was his breakthrough year, he would dominate the local circuit leading to him being named the most promising player in the inaugural Sepetuka 7s in Eldoret. He would, later on, assist his school to clinch the KUSA 7S overall title, with him being named the MVP in the opening leg at Dekut.
His impressive performance in the 2018 circuit led to his call up in the national 7s extended training squad. It was a dream come true for the young lad who like any other person, was wishing one day to don the national team jumper.
“I was truly grateful to the Lord for the far He brought me. I considered the chance as a dream come true and was really excited. The feeling still remains unexplainable
“I was truly grateful to the Lord for the far He brought me. I considered the chance as a dream come true and was really excited. The feeling still remains unexplainable,” he said.
Khwesa would later on get a chance to put on the national team colours at the annual Safari 7s late 2018. He featured for the second string side Kenya Morans as they went on to finish third in the competition.
“I felt so nice having the national 7s jersey on. I also learned in the camp that Kenyan players in the limelight do the basic things right”
He is planning not to leave Blad Bin anytime soon until completion of his studies.”In the meantime, am happy at Blak Blad and I will like to complete my studies first before I make that decision.”
The Environmental Science undergraduate student looks up to Collins Injera locally and HSBC 7s series leading top try scorer Dan Norton internationally as his motivation. He is also an ardent supporter of All Blacks.
Quick view
Name: Archadius Khwesa
Weight: 83 Kgs
School: Kakamega High
University: Kenyatta University
Course: Degree in Environmental Science
Club: Blak Blad
Previous Club: KCB
Awards: Dekut MVP (KUSA), Sepetuka 7s most promising player.
Silverware: KUSA 7s overall winner 2018
Role Model: Collins Injera, Dan Norton, Julian Savea
