HUMPHREY KAYANGE; THE RUGBY GURU

 THE RUGBY GURU

I may not know much about the rugby sport but I know enough about our very talented Humphrey Kayange, OGW, OLY who is very much affiliated with the rugby sport, and who always hoists the Kenyan flag way up high, in his quest to gift us with both local and international rugby championships. Humphrey is a decorated sportsman in Kenya, of whom we are celebrate on this black history month.

One Humphrey Kayange is synonymous with rugby and has been playing the sport for two consecutive decades, all the way up to his recent retirement. You usually do not expect many people to fold up their thriving careers in their thirties, yet Humphrey has humbly bowed out of the sport, having made this nation proud of his many achievements, working with the Kenya national rugby sevens team. Being a legend in the sport, a former captain of the Kenyan sevens squad, and also the first Kenyan to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, Humphrey makes it look easy to play rugby but truth be told, a lot of passion, stamina and muscle activity is required, in order for this game to be played well. Some of us cannot run track or play ball to save our lives. Instead, we rely on people like Humphrey to win championships, and then ride their coattail, however we can, just to be affiliated somehow with their winning streaks.

Nonetheless, Humphrey does not mind winning for his nation. Infact, this is what motivates him and we are truly proud of him. However, he is not the only one known for playing the sport. Rugby is a family affair, with his younger brothers Collins Injera, and Michael Agevi, both of are who are famously known to have played the sport to stardom. In January of 2023, Humphrey’s brother Collins was inducted in the Fiji Hall of fame, for the achievements in his career, as well as serving as an ambassador for the Coral Coast Sevens.

Although he is retired, I would like to make a humble appeal to Humphrey Kayange by requesting him to consider harnessing this sport for the next generation, through supporting young talent, showing them the ropes to the sport, and teaching them what it takes to become the best in the game, just as he is. I would also like to petition Humphrey on the need to set his sites on becoming a coach and a mentor for the next set of rugby players, who are coming of age into this game, by forming a team of superstars to take on his prowess, long after his moment in the spotlight. I have faith that this move on his part will solidify his legacy the more, should he decide to take on the challenge of growing home talent for the world sevens series title.

This vision is possible for Humphrey Kayange to execute, should the locally known brands be on board, in order to offer sponsorship deals to talented players under the governorship of one Humphery Kayange, although I must say that brands will not hesitate to back him up, should he decide to take on this endeavour, for the sake of home grown talent, and also for the service to the youth of Kenya. Hence, it is really up to him to decide on his next course of action, now that he has retired from the game, however I would plead on behalf of the youth in this nation, who have the dream of playing professional rugby but have no one to lead them towards it, to be taken into consideration, for their future hangs in the balance.

Moreover, if Humphrey Kayange could seek and draw out the underprivileged youth of Kenya, especially those that are somewhat invisible and sitting on raw talent, those diamonds in the ruff, dwelling in the slum areas within the urban communes, by extending to them a golden opportunity and thereby turning their lives around, then that would be a win for him and for God too.

Need I say that a Humphrey Kayange Rugby School will not be a far-fetched futuristic idea, incase he is thinking of his next game plan. Moreover, in the interest of spotting talent, I have a few young names I would gladly push up by you sir, whenever you are ready to help the juniors out. But do not take too long, as they are fast growing into full adulthood. I am curious though, do girls play rugby? Let me know whether you can recruit them too into The Humphrey Kayange Rugby School.

Here is to you Humphrey; as God has been generous with you, and given you the gift of sport, so also be kind enough to share this gift with them that need your light and your guide.