Mwamba snaps up Homeboyz duo as KCB lure Blak Blad pair

Mwamba Rugby Club has signed Homeboyz pair of Brian Mutugi and Brian Ayimba in the just ended transfer window, Mozzart Sport can confirm.

Ayimba and Mutugi featured for Kulabu in a series of friendlies held at RFUEA Grounds this past Saturday in the tournament that had hosts Kenya Harlequins, KCB and Nakuru RFC as participants.

Mutugi was one of the outstanding players in the 2022 National Sevens Circuit for Homeboyz ending up with a call up to the Kenya Sevens under coach Damian McGrath.

Other new faces in the Mwamba team that is preparing for the season opening Dala Sevens, the first leg of the 2023 NSC, include John Oduk formerly with Strathmore Leos and Ishmael Mokaya from Impala.

Kulabu missed out on Elvis Namusasi, who spent several seasons with Black Shirts on loan, who joins KCB from Mombasa RFC.

Elsewhwere, Lionel Ajeliti and Nick Okullo have left Blak Blad RFC for KCB Rugby. Ajeliti was a commendable player in the club's backline while Okullo, alias Stepping prop, took charge of the front line.

The Kenyatta University rugby team made the announcement on their social media handles, describing them as true and strategic playmakers who will leave a void in the team's lineouts.

In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, Ajeliti who captained the students on several occasions including the 2022 Kabeberi 7s said that the opportunity was overwhelming, and he was ready for his next mission with their Thika-Road based team.

"I feel excited for the new opportunity. I'm ready for what the future holds," he said.

Ajeliti joined the students in 2017 during the reign of Michael 'Tank' Otieno when the side was battling relegation. They would however climb the ranks to become a varsity force to be reckoned with in the Kenya Cup league.

"When I joined Blak Blad, it was a team that always survived relegation. Over the years that has changed to a team that contends for playoffs," he told Mozzart Sport.

He further revealed that while playing for the students, he picked valuable lessons that will propel him to rugby excellence.

"Firstly, I would say is brotherhood. Blak Blad's culture involves being more than just teammates, you become family to each other. Secondly, is grit. I've learnt to make do with the little resources that were there and be the best I could be.

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Lastly, over the years I've learnt that 'it's all in the mind'. If you believe it, you can achieve it. That was made possible by a change in mindset, credit to our coach Bernard Rotich," he explained.

Ajeliti will be seeking to extend his fierce spirit with his new teammates.

"I'll still play my heart out like I've always done, and put my best foot forward," he disclosed.

The two will join their teammates Levy Amunga and Brian Wahinya to further strengthen KCB Rugby.

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