Story of little-known KCB RFC fullback who doubles up as a data scientist
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 19.04.25. | 09:00
The utility back joined the Ruaraka-based powerhouse in 2023 after several seasons with the varsity team
Since making a life-changing career move from Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad to KCB Rugby, Lionel Ajeliti's (AJ) star has been on a rise .
He has been manning the backline in such great form that counter-attacking and kicking, have become his signature moves. However, little is known about the fullback.
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Mozzart Sport caught up with the soft-spoken utility back, who revealed the surprising balance he maintains between his physically demanding rugby career, and the intellectually intense world of code.
These tasks are not for the faint-hearted; it is all in a day’s work for AJ.
The utility back joined the Ruaraka-based powerhouse in 2023 after several seasons with the varsity team.
His rugby journey began unexpectedly.
Back in 2012, AJ would often skip high school night preps to sneak off to the dining hall, due to the buzz of entertainment and mischief that filled the space.
What started as harmless fun, soon sparked a need for something more meaningful. Together with his friends, they needed to escape the mischief with something that would not get them in trouble, but would still keep them on the radar, especially with the girls.
That’s when the idea of picking up a co-curricular activity kicked in.
“I was drawn to rugby in high school through our then entertainment prefect John Nahama, who was also playing rugby. One of us asked which co-curricular activities performed well, and Nahama mentioned rugby and music. We decided to give rugby a try, for the fitness, and yes, to get girls too,” he offered.
That fun teenage experiment quickly became an engaging pursuit for AJ. He has since worked his way to one of the most prominent clubs in the country.
Since joining KCB, AJ’s impact has been felt.
In 2023, he was part of the squad that clinched the National Sevens Circuit title under the guidance of legends Andrew Noel Amonde and Denis ‘Ironman’ Mwanja.
He also reached the Kenya Cup final in the 2023/2024 season and featured in the 2024/2025 Eric Shirley Shield final, where KCB narrowly lost 15-12 to rivals Menengai Oilers.
However, settling in and becoming a regular for the Bankers has not been an easy task for AJ.
“Handling the physicality of the Kenya Cup was challenging as a freshman. I had to get serious in the gym and condition more, especially with the help of senior players like Levy Amunga,” he revealed.
KCB has gone trophyless this season after losing the Enterprise Cup, Kenya Cup, and Eric Shirley Cups. Despite that, the dynamic back is optimistic that they will bounce back.
“As a team, we’ve come close to clinching the coveted trophy. I’m certain KCB will bounce back soon,” he revealed.
Balancing rugby with school is no easy feat. His schedule is tightly packed. He wakes up at 4:30 am for training on Tuesdays and Thursdays, hitting the gym by 5:30 am, attending morning classes by 9:00 am, and heading back for evening training at 4:30 pm.
Despite the grind, AJ finds time for his other passions. He’s a lover of dancing, swimming, football, golf, pool, and sitcoms. But beyond the hobbies and hustle, his vision is clear.
“When I’m done playing rugby, I’d love to be remembered as a player who gave his best every time he stepped on the pitch, and someone who inspired the next generation, just like my idol Biko Adema,” he says.
Looking ahead, AJ is determined to give back to the sport that shaped him, whether as a coach, mentor, or administrator, and cement his place as one of the best data scientists in the country.
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