Despite Currently being a Kenyan International and a player at Impala Saracens Women’s team, Mercy Migongo runs a rugby program in the slums of Kibera that seeks to Integrate young girls into rugby, the program also helps educate young ladies on various skills.
Scrummage Africa had an interview with Mercy in trying to understand more about the Kenyan International.
1. Who is Mercy Migongo?
Mercy Migongo is a Kenyan International rugby player and also a coach and loves all she does.
2. How was schooling and did you play any sport?
For schooling, I was at JM Kariuki Memorial. I can’t say much but what I know is that I played rugby and I enjoyed the game and it has become part of me.
3. When did you start rugby and what pushed you?
I started My rugby Journey back in 2012 at the JM Kariuki Memorial and the vibe and energy from the School’s rugby team was so amazing
4. So if I understand well you run a girls rugby team in Nairobi can you tell us about it, How you established it and why ladies?
The opportunity of playing rugby was presented to me by people who believed in girls and that rugby is an ideal sport for women too, so I did it to continue the legacy and give back to my community.
5. So how do you balance the program and your commitment with Kenya Lionesses?
I have a schedule for my training and when coaching, I have another set of female rugby coaches who we empower too in our programs so whenever I am out to play everything runs as usual.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- How Leeon Nyang’ rose above pain
- Follow us on Scrummage Africa FB
- The story of Moreen Muritu
- Musila new KCB Rugby captain
6. Off rugby, do you have other hobbies ?
Definitely I have hobbies outside Rugby, I love beauty, fashion and interior decor I do them as business, I also love jockey, hiking and golf
7. What’s your message to ladies outside there who have the fear of playing rugby due to misconceptions and beliefs that rugby was meant for people with big bodies and majorly it’s a man’s game?
Find a safe place and experience the beauty of playing this amazing sport with beautiful souls.
8. When was your debut with Kenya Lionesses?
I played my first international game representing my country in May, 2019 at the Elgon Cup
9. What are your Memorable moments and worst moments in rugby?
For the Memorable moments, one just happened in less than a year and it’s playing in the team that helped Kenya Lionesses qualify for the World Rugby WXV tier 3. The second best thing is the fact about being recognized as a female coach.
The Worst moment that affected me was when we lost our lock and Captain Bernadette Olesia It was a very hard hit for everyone in the team and the entire rugby family and it’s my worst because I had a special relationship with Bernadette.
10. Which Player do you look upto locally or internationally?
Oooh! I believe people are fond of looking at and admiring already accomplished players but for me, it’s different because the girls I teach rugby are the main ones that make me train, never give up and want to achieve better heights and as such I prefer being a better version of myself every day so that I can empower them to be also better in all they do.
