Okoth promising greater exploits in Super Series after shaking off injury

Nakuru RFC’s loose forward Felix Okoth started his Rugby Super Series on a high after winning the man of the match award in the first round played on Saturday, 3 May at the RFUEA Grounds.

His team Menengai Cream Cheetahs defeated the Kabras Sugar Buffaloes 29-7 in the match.

Okoth was making a comeback to the pitch after recovering from an injury, sustained during the 2023 Prinsloo 7s quarterfinal match against Kabras RFC. The nagging injury kept him on the sidelines for four months.

He had returned at the start of the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season, but he would only play five matches before his injury re-occurred.

This time, he was on the sidelines until the 2024 Great Rift 10s aside tournament where he tested his skills.

"The fifth game of the season against Kabras was the end of my Kenya Cup season. The injury recurred and I had to be sidelined again. This was very painful given how hard I had worked to come back,” Okoth started.

“My love for the game kept me going. This was my first major injury, and I was very determined to come back from it,” he continued.

Feeling like a tiger freed from a cage, he returned from the injury eager to win everything that lay ahead. His first major assignment was the Super Series. During the game, he managed seven carries, six tackles and a try.

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“One of the most important things you have to do when you are coming back from an injury is to make sure you get the conditioning right. After rehabilitation, conditioning comes next, and I thank the team’s strength and conditioning coach for his help in ensuring that I come back strong,” he disclosed.

With the taste of success still fresh, Okoth will be hoping to send a message to the rugby world; he is back.

This time round, the odds are on his side since the second round of the series will be played at the Nakuru Athletic Club, the same grounds he trains and hones his skills.

He will be counting on the home advantage to propel him and the Cheetahs to glory. The Cheetahs will be up against the Lions who also picked a win in the opening round.

Okoth has made the squad and will partner with Ahmos Obae and Elkeans Musonye to form a lethal backrow.

KCB Bank Lions lead the standings with five points while the Cheetahs are second with four points. Buffaloes and Rhinos occupy third and fourth position without a single point each.