Martin Owila Omondi: KCB Rugby Club Star Details His Rugby Journey, Ambition and Mentorship

• Martin Owila Omondi rose from his humble beginnings to become a rugby sensation
• The KCB RFC flanker has won several accolades and forged invaluable connections
• He balances his rugby career with a commitment to youth empowerment in Kenya

In the heart of Manyatta, a rural village nestled within Kisumu County, Martin Owila Omondi's journey began.

Raised in a family of sportsmen, Owila's uncle Dennis Timon, who was a former Shujaa player, cast a long shadow of inspiration.

Reflecting on his childhood, the KCB Rugby Club star recalls being attracted to sports during inter-dormitory tournaments at Homabay High School.

The allure of the game, coupled with his uncle's legacy, ignited a passion that would shape his future.

Owila has won the Kenya Cup four times and represented the national 15s side and the Kenya Sevens side, as reported by The Standard.

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Speaking to Sports Brief, he said rugby was more than a sport for him - it was a lifeline. Beyond the thrill of competition, it provided opportunities for growth and development. From traversing the length and breadth of Kenya to representing the country on the international stage, rugby opened doors that seemed unimaginable.

"The sport has influenced my life immensely regarding networks and places I have been. I have travelled the country and the world through rugby. But one area stands out. After completing my certificate course in GLUK I joined Nakuru RFC, who supported me in my diploma course it’s the allowance and network that helped pay my fee then," he explained.

How Owila balances rugby, work, and family

Despite the demands of a professional rugby career, he remains committed to youth empowerment. As reported by Shujaa Pride, Owila was elected as the president of Mount Kenya University in February 2017.

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He channels his passion for mentoring the next generation through the Mentor-Me program. Balancing the rigours of training, work, and family, he relies on meticulous planning to carve out time for mentorship sessions.

"I would say the 5Ps have helped me a lot. That's planning, passion, purpose, potential and prayers. I understand I have school, sports, work, and mentorship. Right now, I have a family. So planning on my classes, training days and time, as well as mentorship sessions, has helped me come up with a routine," he said.

Navigating the challenges of a rugby player in Kenya requires resilience and fortitude. Owila acknowledged that the journey is fraught with obstacles, from injuries to unpaid allowances. However, he noted that it is through adversity that one's character is forged.

"Rugby is a physical sport that requires a lot of physicality and agility. I have suffered injuries and done surgeries. Missing out on the travelling team can lead to players mentally breaking down if not handled well. So the place of recovery and rehabilitation is vital to seeing a player return to their full potential," said the player.

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Owila's Mentor-Me program

In the Mentor-Me program, Owila instils values of responsibility in the youth. He focuses on gifts, talents, and potentials, stressing the importance of nurturing innate abilities. Tailoring his approach to cater to individual needs, he fosters an environment where each mentee can thrive and excel.

"We strive to steer this to manifest within every mentee we have in the program and our aim is to see them come out responsible, bold and competent. That is what we call the RBC of mentorship," he said.

Beyond the confines of the rugby field, Owila leverages his platform to drive positive change within Kenyan society. Through partnerships, he extends his impact, imparting invaluable life lessons to the youth.

"Rugby and sports have the power to unite and bring different people together in an environment that makes them mingle and interact beyond the wins and losses of their teams. I have partnered with Aguko Foundation and KCB Foundation and I'm privileged to represent various drives to impact school children through sports and its values to mentor and train these young ones," he concluded.

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Owila's journey serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring countless others to dream big and pursue their passions relentlessly.

Kenya Sevens triumph in Dubai Challenger Series

Sports Brief reported when Kenya Sevens won the Dubai Leg of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.

The Kenyans displayed dominance in the semi-finals by defeating Uruguay, before beating Chile in the final.