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| The Titans.. |
"Ballroom dancing is a contact sport, Rugby is a collision sport" - Heyneke Meyer. (Springboks coach). Truer words were never spoken, unless you are one of those who believe in running rugby..truth is you can only run away from the collisions for so long.
In some cases the collisions in question result in injuries and rather serious ones, resulting in long lay offs and sometimes retirement from the game. We all know of players who have prematurely hang their boots due to injury and others who have come back to play the game they love.
I've decided to put up this post in honour of all the brave souls that have suffered injuries playing this game whether they made their comebacks or not.
This post takes a closer look at how players handle these long lay offs, what they go through to get back into shape. To do this I picked three players who I know have had these kind of injuries and have just made their comebacks, the three K.C.B's Phillip Wamae, Impala's Anthony Oyugi and Harlequins' Allan Omuka, here is their story..
Two weeks ago, when the Christie sevens kicked off it was an extra special occassion for Phillip 'odiero' Wamae and Allan 'Triadz' Omuka. It was the first time they were taking to the pitch competitively after what was a long stay on the sidelines. For Anthony 'Oh you guy my guy' Oyugi this wait lasted a week longer as he had to wait for the Dala sevens to don the red for Impala. Before the sevens circuit kicked off, Wamae and Omuka had been in camp for the Kenya sevens while Oyugi was still working his way back to match fitness.
Known for his prowess at the line out, Kenya sevens international Phillip Wamae is what I call a modern forward, though not the biggest of the pack he is fast, agile, with a select bag of tricks and the work rate of a donkey. These traits mean he can be deployed between 5 and 7 and virtually anywhere in a sevens squad. He featured in the Kenya sevens team to the George sevens in the 2011-2012 season and is currently in camp with them. Odiero as he is fondly known, suffered a blow out fracture that affected his eye during a training session on the 21st of February 2012. After the injury was confirmed by specialists he underwent an operation to place an implant to cover the space caused by the fracture. After the procedure he was to stay out of contact for six months and any straineous activities for three months. During this period, he embarked on a strict conditioning and gym work program for 5 months that made sure that he stayed in top shape. He was cleared to play on the 23rd of july, a few weeks than the earlier set date.
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| Wamae in Action at Christies. (Photo courtesy of Ministry of Rugby) |
When I asked whether he'd like specifically thank anybody for his successful return, though I could predict the answer he said, "We both know here God is given all the glory for healing me and giving me a chance to continue playing the game that I dearly love. He is the reason I am still playing and I won't take that for granted anymore." He also thanks his Parents and family for "Not at any point, suggesting that I stop playing the game." Finally he thanks his friends for their "undying encouragement to push me to be back on the field."
"It feels definitely great to be back playing, Even though its abit hard to get back to where I was before the injury,not a single day goes by without me assessing where I am now."
Since his comeback, he has played a part in the KCB team that has made it to two main cup semi finals at the Christie and Dala sevens.
When you talk of a utility player, you have to mention this next guy, Mr.Oh you guy my guy.. Anthony Oyugi. The former Strathmore player and St. Mary's (the original one) alumni can play anywhere from 6-13 or to 15 apart from 9 and 10 depending on who you ask. Oyugi has represented the country in the U-19 squad. After making the switch to Impala, he suffered a torn ''antirior cruciate ligament' (A.C.L) and meniscus during last year's edition of the Christie sevens after what he describes as an "Unlucky turn in a match against mwamba which messed everything", "the memory is still fresh in my head." He goes on to say. Oh for those who don't know, those biological mambo jambos used earlier mean the knee area.
He was advised by his doctor, Dr.Mendosa that the injury required nothing short of a surgery if he were to ever play again. He underwent an arthroscopic surgery which is basically a procedure that does not require the knee to be cut open. After the procedure he started his 6 month rehabilitation program and mentions that the full medical cover he had after participating in that year's BRSS really helped as it was a pretty expensive. He did his physiotherapy at the Nairobi hospital and at the Impala gym.
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| Oyugi in action a few years back for Strathmore |
When I asked if there are any people he'd like to thank, "Wow that list is long.." he exclaims, then continues to give that list "..obviously my doctor, and some players who have gone through the same injury like Ashioya, we talked alot after my surgery, he advised me on what I should be doing during the early stages of healing. Another guy is Peter Ocholla, who reffered me to the doctor who had worked on him. I've also been talking to Dennis Mwanja, on some things he did on his recovery, and Abuoga who I've been doing rehab with and my close friends who kept in touch. I also appreciate the fact KRU insuared the whole thing and I used the Impala gym considering I wasn't active for a full season"
Mr. Oyugi reckons that "Prayer changes everything because it helped me find strength to
keep working everyday and juggling that and my studies, which it is not easy.." He concludes by saying that his injury made him realize that "Rugby is one big community out to support each
other, whether in the same club or not and that is very fascinating."
As he has mentioned since coming back, he has been part of the Impala side that won the Plate title at Dala.
Whenever I think of Allan Omuka, I remember last year's BRSS Rhinos vs Lions in Nakuru, I should stop this memory here as it still hurts to this day. The stout winger Kenya 7's and 15's international is known for his blistering pace and powerful runs, sustained a meniscus tear and shattered patella on the left knee while in Dubai on tour with the Kenya 15's in December last year. He carried the injury for a while but finally underwent open surgery and athroscopy on March 22 he vividly remembers the date. After the surgery he started his rehabilitation which he admits "was tough, I had to hit the gym on a daily basis to work on restructuring my quad muscle on the left leg." After rehabilitation he says the hard work continued as he had to work on his fitness levels.
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| Omuka dimbuaring maguys in France with USIU |
He says that he would like to thank, the quins fraternity, his team mates, coaches, family and friends, this next part I must quote, he says and I quote "..and I'd be damned if I don't recognize my girlfriend, Kate who saw me through each and every moment." (Hehe hii mapenzi si jokes..) he adds that "It feels great being back on the pitch doing what I love and do best, winning trophies in my first two tournaments was just epic." The winger adds that he'd like to mention "a few special characters" namely, "Curtis, Bolt, Absy, Pogz of course, Wamae, the U.S.I.U rugby team etc... who've all supported me during these trying times." Not sure who etc is but anyway..He concludes by offering encouraging words.."To any other player who is currently injured, I'd just like to tell them that they should never lose hope, injuries are not an excuse to give
up. When you fall, pick yourself up and come back even harder."
Impressively Omuka was called up to the initial sevens camp immediately after his recovery, he's currently on a special program to get back into top form, as you have read he has already won two out of two titles with the Kenya harlequins. Remember his try at Christies against Mwamba?
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| Allan Omuka in action at the Christie sevens..hehe |
Finally on this, I'd like to thank the above three for taking time to give this interview, Odd Shaped Balls thanks you and wishes you the best in your careers, we will be closely watching you guys and hope to feature you again soon..again Thank you. I hope this piece inspires any player that is currently injured into making a great comeback...
In other news, The Kenya U-19 side narrowly lost it's first Pool A game against the mighty Zimbabwe 13-10, after leading 10-6 at the break. The Chipu play their second match today against Namibia, they should have played by now.
Dan Adongo made his debut for the Counties-Manaku in their 30-9 victory over Sothland in the ITM cup. As Maseno and Kakamega registered wins in their first matches in the East Africa games.Meanwhile the list of teams set to grace this year's edition of the Safari sevens continues to grow with Tanzania, Tunisia and Scotland confirming their participation.
Last but not least...hehehe I had to save the best for last..A PATCHIE EEEHHH? This past weekend probably the oldest rivalry in Kenya rugby was renewed, (not that it needs any renewal anyway) when the Old Cambrians (Nairobi School old boys) faced the old nyanis of that kaschool called Lenana at the RFUEA grounds. Nairobi School boasting of an endless list of rugby greats the likes of Edward Rombo meant that there was only one result in this one, final score..64-26 to the men from the Prince of Wales. I hear Lenana scored their points when the Old cambrians were on half time break...lol!!
With that ladies and gents, allow me to exit pitch left....see you soon when we do the preview to the Prinsloo sevens...
KWISHA....nimeruka nje!!
Oh before I forget, A Big Shout out to one George 'Wuon Magak' Asin for his help in putting up this post..."Mr.Who.." Thanks fat man..always appreciated!!