Returning Eliakim Kichoi credits Mwamba legends' role in rebuilding after relegation
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 15.07.25. | 14:43
Mwamba's relegation marked a low point for the historic club, which has long been a mainstay on the rugby scene
Veteran Eliakim Kichoi has credited Mwamba RFC legends for playing a vital role in reviving the club’s fortunes following their relegation at the end of the 2024/25 Kenya Cup season.
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Kichoi, who last featured in competitive rugby during the Rugby Super Series in May 2024, made his return to the pitch on Saturday, 12 July, helping Mwamba reach the finals of the inaugural Ruff n Tuff 7s.
Although they fell 21-5 to an inspired Strathmore Leos side in the final at Ngong Racecourse, the return of the seasoned player was a morale booster to the team.
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Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the tournament, Kichoi revealed how the club’s rebuilding process has been significantly influenced by the return of Mwamba legends, who have stepped in to support both on and off the field.
“It’s encouraging to see the legends joining us in training. Guys like Lavin Asego and Collins Injera have been working with the backline, while Humphrey Khayange supports the forwards with mini skills. Their presence has boosted the team’s morale,” Kichoi offered.
Mwamba's relegation marked a low point for the historic club, which has long been a mainstay on the rugby scene. Kichoi admitted that the team had been grappling with a difficult transitional phase that affected their performance.
“Our team was going through a tough transition, and it left us in a difficult place as a club,” he said.
However, things began to change when the club’s caretaker committee and past greats reached out to Kichoi, urging him to return and help mentor the next generation of players.
“The caretaker committee and club legends reached out and asked me to return to help guide the young lads. We've now been training together for about four weeks,” he shared.
While Kichoi featured in the tournament, he did not play the full minutes in the final match.
His tournament came to an abrupt end after a tough tackle from Strathmore Leos’ Victor Mola, forcing him to sit out for the remainder of the game.
Despite the disappointment, Kichoi was impressed and even proud of the young player behind the hit.
The two were part of the team that represented Kenya during the Mid-East Rugby League Championship semi-final at the University of Ghana's Legon Stadium, where Kenya lost 26-6 to Ghana back in September 2022.
Back then, Mola was just turning 18.
"It’s amazing to see how much he has grown into a fierce name in Kenya Rugby," Kichoi revealed.
Now back in the fold, Kichoi is on a mission to regain his full fitness and hopes to participate in a few legs of the upcoming National Sevens Circuit.
He expressed excitement about the young talents emerging within the squad and optimism for the team’s prospects this season.
“I'm working on regaining my fitness and, hopefully, I’ll be able to play a few legs of the Circuit with the boys.
We have some exciting new talents set to make their debut in this year’s 7s Circuit, and we’re hoping the odds will be in our favour,” he concluded.
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