In the world of rugby, there are few moments more cherished than representing one’s nation on the international stage.
For Menengai Oilers forward, the Kenya Simbas test match debut against Zambia left him a man over the moon.
“I was over the moon and excited, it was a moment of reflection on my rugby journey,” Ndirangu told the Scrummage.
Ndirangu who was in February was celebrated by Menengai Oilers for being the lone player to have ever crossed the centurion mark, playing over one hundred games for the Nakuru outfit since joining them in 2016 was among 13 players who made their International test debut last Wednesday.
The Debut came after he was part of the Simbas squad that went to South Africa for the Currie Cup. But how important is a test match compared to the Currie Cup?
A test match is an international match usually played between two senior national teams that are recognised as such by the world governing body, (World Rugby), it always impacts the ranking of the national teams compared to the Currie Cup which is not part of the world Rugby competition.
Reacting on his debut, Ndirangu said: ” When I came on from the bench into the game, my first carry was special. The first lineout jump, my first tackle, pass and jackal, all felt new and exciting, Felt like I was 14 again,” he said.
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The experienced lock went on to credit individuals who have significantly impacted his journey.
“Oliver Mangeni(KCB )has been someone I looked up to while I was in high school, Lawrence Buyachi, Mike Okombe Martin Owillah and Dalmas Chituyi paved the way for me and my rugby journey, my Academy Coaches at Nakuru Coach Enos, my Coaches at Oilers have also been influential in my rugby journey thus far.” He added.
Ndirangu and Ayoo are set to make their test debuts for @KenyaSimbas against Zambia on Wednesday at the King's Park Arena, Kampala, Uganda. Ayoo joins another Oiler, @elkeans1 in the starting line up while Ndirangu is named on the bench. Full read 👇https://t.co/yMygn8nAVF https://t.co/vHiJSd9m0O
— Menengai Oilers (@MenengaiOilers) October 31, 2023
His successful national team debut did not go unnoticed as he helped Simbas win 36-12 against Zambia.
With his passion for the odd-shaped ball burning brighter than ever, Ndirangu has his goal set high on both long and short term.
“Long-term goal with the Simbas is definitely in the world cup, short-term goal is to win the Victoria cup and subsequently the Elgon cup. At the club level is definitely win the prestigious Kenya Cup,” he concluded.
The lock pointed out patience, perseverance, discipline and determination as his guiding light, saying it has always and will always get the job done once adhered to.
