The Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Rugby Academy could by now pass as the best rugby academy in Kenya. After producing flanker Paul Mutsami & scrumhalf Mohammed Omollo, now regulars in the Gazelles side, a new gem has been discovered.
After heeding former school mate – Stephen Orege’s call to join the Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Academy in 2015, his rugby comet has been shuttling across, burning brighter with every night passed.
Asked about his most memorable events at the Academy, Brian Opar is quick to point out this…
‘I played for the Academy in the 2015 Mwamba Cup finals & won. Our second stab at the Mwamba Cup in 2016 was full of success. We won it once more. I was not surprised when I received a call up to play in the ESS side at the beginning of November 2016. I was working hard towards moving to the next step. My biggest surprise came this year when after resuming training, Director of Rugby – Fred Ollows mentioned my name on the Gazelles team to face Strathmore Leos. We won the match 29-14 and I was selected as Man Of The Match. We lost 41-13 to Homeboyz the following weekend, but I was elated that I at least crossed the try line to score Impala’s first try off a really tight angle. You ask me how it felt like being selected as Man Of The Match again? It felt really promising!’
‘At 21, I understand that I should learn to prioritize. My dream of becoming an accountant must be realized & I am putting in a lot of work on my studies as well. I just missed out on receiving a Simbas XV provisional team call up but I am happy for my teammates Anthony Orege, James Kubasu, Dennis Karani, Simon Muniafu, Davis Makori, Erick Kerre, Paul Mutsami, Tyson Okoth, Samson Onsomu & Nato Simiyu for earning the call ups. I know that I will one day represent Kenya at the big stage. I envy Sammy Oliech’s talent and Shaun Johnson’s versatility. I have an advantage that not very many young players have. I was brought up in an academy system that insists on Hard work, Discipline, Honesty & Humility. My then Academy coach – Nick Abok has been very supportive in the transition to top flight rugby. It has been a rather swift change of atmosphere, but I trust God will always be there to see me beat all the targets I have set for this year.’
