Kenya Sevens co-captain George Ooro explains 'Japolo' nickname
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 16.02.25. | 18:50
He was a key player as Shujaa returned to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series and finished ninth during the Paris 2024 Olympics
Kenya Sevens co-captain George Ooro has revealed the story behind his famous nickname ‘Japolo’.
In Luo dialect, while not explicitly stated, "Japolo" is generally understood as a term referring to a religious figure or someone considered to be particularly close to God.
Ooro earned the nickname ‘Japolo’ due to comparisons with a former Maseno School player who shared the same name and was known for his deep faith. He would pray before and after every match, leading to his nickname from his teammates.
“I was nicknamed Japolo because I was told that I play like a player from Maseno School who was called Japolo, and he was very prayerful. When I joined Strathmore, I used to pray after every match, so my teammates named me ‘Man of God," the energetic Ooro told Mozzart Sport.
The joy of Ooro shoving aside opponents to score tries on the pitch is a delight for fans, but the excitement does not end there. The spectators eagerly await his electrifying dance moves, a signature spectacle that adds an extra spark to his victories.
Ooro turns the pitch into his stage as soon as he goes over the whitewash, wowing the audience with his contagious energy.
We sought to understand the motivation behind his electrifying runs and finishing ability and Ooro did not hesitate to share.
He draws his motivation from former Kenya 7s forward Alvin ‘Buffa’ Otieno and often evokes his memories on the pitch. Buffa’s ability to bulldoze through defenses left a lasting impression on the young star.
“When I joined Shujaa, I met 'Buffa’ who told me that it is very hard to break into your opponents’ defense and score. He told me that once I get to the try box, I had to enjoy myself because in any match we are seven players against seven players. So, just breaking and going to score means you outsmarted someone, and I have to enjoy myself despite the score,” he offered.
Buffa’s influence on Ooro extends beyond the pitch. He not only aspires to play like him but also style hair like Buffa.
“Buffa is my Kenyan role model, and Siya Kolisi, the South Africa captain, is also my role model. One day, I will make my hair like him (once my hair grows well), but I also want to be unique in my way. I will not pick up everything from him,” he disclosed.
Ooro’s rugby journey began in 2018 at Chianda Boys High School. A year later, he led his school to the nationals, catching the attention of scouts.
In 2020, he was invited for trials at Strathmore University, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans, forcing him to return home to Kisumu, where he trained with Winam Rugby, a team currently competing in the National Rugby League.
Determined to pursue his dreams, Ooro returned to Strathmore for trials in 2021, passed, and earned a scholarship. His rapid rise continued in 2022 when he played in the national 7s circuit, impressing enough to earn a call-up to the Kenya Sevens team under coach Damian McGrath.
The Strathmore forward debuted for Kenya 7s during the Hong Kong 7s under former coach McGrath.
His impressive performance on the international stage saw coach Kevin Wambua include him in his Africa Men’s 7s provisional squad, eventually traveling to Harare, Zimbabwe, where Kenya qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics in 2023. He also captained Team Kenya during the All-African Games in Accra, Ghana in 2024.
He was a key player as Shujaa returned to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series and finished ninth during the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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