FEATURES

Where are they? Tracing Kakamega High 2010 National 7s Champions

In 2010, Kakamega High beat Kangaru 17-0 at Upper Hill School to win the National 7s Title on April 8.

Adrian Opondo and Michael Agevi scored first-half tries while Kevin Alfayo sealed their victory with the third try in the final half. Being one of the best ever 7s squad to ever grace the National games in the past decade (2010-2019) Scrummage traces their whereabouts after high school.

1.Riddick Okwemba- Prop

Okwemba played a key role in the campaign as Kakamega went on to reclaim the National 7s Title in 2010. After High School, he continued with rugby and he has won several accolades with Homeboyz Rugby especially in 7s. He was part of the 2017 squad that finished second in the National 7s Circuit.

Beside 7s has also been a key figure in Homeboyz 15s matches. Okwemba has off-late been absent in the rugby scene. The former Mechanical engineering Student at TUK is currently the Managing Director for AB3D (African Born 3D Printing) which aims at bringing transformative 3D printing technology to African producers.

Riddick Okwemba in action against Nakuru. Photo Courtesy.

2.Adrian Arthur Opondo- Hooker

Not even injuries could stop Opondo from playing, he was always willing to put his body on the line provided the team wins. In the 2010 campaign, Opondo’s ariel skill ensured Kakamega retain possession during kick-offs and this reduced their opponents to spectators hence their National 7s Triumph.  Ade, as commonly known in rugby cycles during his high school days, was arguably the best player when it comes to aerial balls.

After leaving High School, he joined Varsity side, Strathmore Leos. A year later he made it to the Kenya 7s provisional squad under Mitch Ocholla but didnt make the final squad. In 2013, he featured in the Kenya Cup final where his side lost to Nakuru . He Moved to KCB in the 2017 transfer winning the Kenya Cup later that season and ESS in 2019. He is still at Den up to date.

Adrian Opondo supports Shaban Ahmed in apast clash. Courtesy/Citizen.

3.John Luova Malovi- Prop

Luova was known for his brilliant ball carrying skills whenever in action for the Barbarians. Despite his promising displays in both 7s and 15s as a forward, he was not much involved in Rugby after High School.  Luova was integrated into the UNICEF sponsored Western Region Academy which was meant to build best performing youngsters after high school.  After leaving the academy forward had a stint at MMUST.

Luova also played in the Bamburi Super Series while at MMUST. He last trained with Kabras in 2013 as they were starting off but never did not stayed for long.

Kakamega High 2010’s 7s squad. Photo Courtesy

4.Oscar Okaron- Scrum-half

Okaron commonly known as chokosh is probably the best sweeper the Barbarians ever had in the last decade (2010-2019). Despite his diminutive body stature, he was impassable while at the back. Not even the big-bodied nor best steppers could evade him while in the number nine jersey.

Read also:

After High School, he played for Bulls, moved to Kabras where he won Nationwide title in 2014, finished second with Kabras in 2015 Kenya Cup, tried out with Kenya 7s later that year. Okaron became a Kenya Cup champion in 2016. He moved to Homeboyz in 2017, winning the Great Rift 10s and finished second in the National 7s Circuit with the Deejays.

The halfback is currently with Blak Blad and besides playing he has proved to be a good coach winning all the School titles with Kakamega High in 2012 and 2013. His third East African Title as a coach came in 2016 with Kakamega. He has also coached Bungoma, Nanyuki and Koyonzo. Okaron has also led Sigalagala to three straight titles in the National Institute games.

Oscar Okaron following a past action in the stands. Photo Courtesy.

5. Augustine Ligamy Lugonzo -Fly-Half

Lugonzo dazzled the fans with his dummies, take-offs, side-steps and playmaking skills which helped the side unlock defences. Aga as commonly referred to by teammates was part of Unicef sponsored Western Region Academy. He later carried the form to club level where he helped Homeboyz win the 2016 and 2018 National 7s Circuit titles.

He is an Olympian having been part of the 2016 Olympics with Kenya 7s. Aga was part of the squad that made history in 2016 by winning the Singapore 7s.   Lugonzo has a Safari 7s medal to his name having achieved the fate with Samurai in 2018. He has played 123 matches for Kenya in the World 7s Series scoring 15 tries and 32 conversions. The fly-half, however, missed the 2018 World Cup and he is also into coaching.

Collins Injera and Augustine Lugonzo at the Singapore 7s. Photo Courtesy.World Rugby

Michael Agevi- Centre (Captain)

Agevi captained the side as they went on to reclaim the title they had last won in 2008. His powerful handoff scared away his high school opponents.

Since high school, he has been with Mwamba.  Agevi and his side Mwamba have finished as runners in the 2017 and 2018 National 7s Circuit.  He has severally featured for Samurai Invitational side. Agevi has played 25 matches for Kenya 7s in World 7s Series.

Felix Mayaka- Winger

Mayaka was quick to finish whenever he was set up by the likes of Lugonzo and Agevi. He has, however, been silent since leaving Kakamega High In 2010.

Edwin expi Abungana-Prop

Abunganya played KCA University before making a move to Oilers before their 2018/19 Kenya Cup debut.

Kevin Alfayo- Prop

Alfayo was known for his love to break tackles. He last played for USIU Rugby in the 2017 season.

Marlin Mukolwe- Scrum/Fly

Mukolwe is another Kenya Cup winner in the squad. He has featured for Kenya Under 19. Since joining KCB and has won Kenya Cup titles in 2015, 2017, 2018 and the ESS in 2019. The Scrum-half has also won the Floodlit and Enterprise Cup.

Marlin Mukolwe in action against Kabras during the Enterprise Cup. Photo Courtesy/Denis Acre-half.

Kepha Abuogi winger– Was the only form three student in the team. He last played for Homeboyz and currently running his businesess in Uganda.

Victor Isiye-Winger- He was known for his speed and directs runs. He rarely sidestepped. He has not been involved much in rugby since leaving Kakamega High.

Head Coach Ochieng Butross Ahaya- Current Head Coach MMUST

Assistant Coach John Asila – Current Assistant Coach MMUST

Most Popular

Africa’s premier rugby website covering the latest Rugby news, results, transfers, fixtures. Get Kenya Rugby News and from the rest of the Unions.

Copyright © 2023 Powered by Scrummage Barber and SAFGAK Limited

To Top