Following the conclusion of the 2024 KCSE, several rugby prospects have emerged from the school ranks and joined various clubs nationwide.
Scrummage Africa takes a look at some of the standout players from the Western Region Schools and Rift Valley who are expected to make an impact in club rugby.
1. Michael Lukusi – Butula
The Prescott and National Champion with Vihiga is an intelligent playmaker with an understanding of the game. He boasts silky ball skills, various kicks (chip, punt, and place kicks), and a wicked sidestep.
A vocal person on the field, Lukusi can play as a scrum-half (9), fly-half (10), or fullback (15). He is currently part of the Kabras RFC Eric Shirley Shield squad.
2. Morgan Ochiel – Kisii School
Nicknamed Captain Morgan, he captained Kisii School with distinction. A versatile player, Ochiel thrives as both an inside centre (12) and fly-half (10), balancing playmaking duties with solid defensive skills. His physique adds to his effectiveness on the field. Currently, he is part of the Western Bulls squad.
Kisii School Morgan Ochiel in action. PHOTO/Vinnie Creations
3. Clinton Nyasende – Kisii School
Nyasende, a powerful loosehead prop, stood out for his ball-carrying ability and retention skills. His impressive work rate made him a key player for Kisii School in 2024.
4. Dickson Ongoro – Kisii School
A hooker, Ongoro made a name for himself this year with his accurate lineout throws and positive carries. He also excels defensively and has an unmatched work rate among hookers.
5. Simon Taylor Asamba – Kisii School
A well-conditioned and physically imposing player, Asamba thrived at number eight (8) but can also slot in as a flanker (6/7). He is known for making strong carries and covering ground efficiently in defence.
6. Jibril Lugonzo – Koyonzo
Lugonzo, a hooker, has already featured in the Eric Shirley Shield for Kabras. He won the 2023 East African 7s title with Koyonzo and is known for his powerful tackles, solid lineout throws, and strong ball-carrying ability.
7. Kevin Maiche – Koyonzo
A scrum-half (9) and winger (11/14), Maiche played a crucial role in Koyonzo’s 2023 East African and National Championship wins. A quick and agile player, he possesses a good step and excellent game awareness.
He was part of the Western Region U18 squad and now plays for Kabras RFC ESS.
8. Johnson Ombango – Koyonzo
A dynamic back, Ombango is a strong ball carrier and an excellent jumper. He was part of the Western Region U18 squad and has since joined Menengai Oilers ESS.
9. Tiberius Ndukusi – Koyonzo
An East African 7s champion, Ndukusi is a versatile player who can slot into both the forwards and backs. He is a strong tackler and a good at winning turnovers.
10. Jerome Mikisi – Bwake Boys
Mikisi played a crucial role in Bwake Boys’ historic championship win in 2024. He is an electric speedster who thrives in open play.
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11. Amon Bwambok – Bwake Boys
A key player in Bwake’s 2024 campaign, Bwambok excels in the lineout, possesses great speed for a back-row forward, and is a strong ball carrier.
12. Calistus Wanjala – Bwake Boys
Another speedster, Wanjala has an explosive running style and excellent ball-carrying ability.
13. Charles Mikisi – Bwake Boys
A National Champion, Mikisi is a utility back who can cover all positions in the backline except inside centre (12), making him a valuable asset.
14. Joshua Omwonga – Bwake Boys
Omwonga was the defensive leader in Bwake Boys’ backline, providing stability and organization in their championship-winning campaign.
15. Caleb Kagwa – Bwake Boys
A fly-half (10), Kagwa is known for his precise passing and excellent communication on the field.
16. Reuben Amani – Butula
A forward, Amani is a physical presence with strong ball-carrying skills. The National Champion also dominates at the breakdown and has a keen eye for gaps.
He is now part of the Kabras RFC Eric Shirley Shield squad.
17. Adrian Khwesa – Butula
A centre (12/13) or winger (11/14), Khwesa is a deceptive runner capable of catching defenders off guard. He is strong in contact and excels at passing under pressure and offloading.
18. Victor Wawire – Vihiga
The 2023 East African 7s MVP, Wawire played a key role in securing Vihiga’s first-ever regional title. A dynamic half-back, he scored three tries and four conversions during the tournament.
He is an exceptional playmaker, deceptive with the ball, and a skilled kicker. He has started his club career at Kabras RFC ESS, where he has impressed.
Victor Wawire takes a tackle against St Anthony Kitale. PHOTO/Vicmass
19. Emmanuel Akari – Kibabii
Akari is a speedster with great vision and an excellent support player.
20. Wilson Tonya – Vihiga
Tonya was named MVP at the Scrummage Katch 7s tournament and played a pivotal role in Vihiga’s East African Games victory.
He is now part of the Menengai Oilers ESS squad.
