‘I was not ready for this interview, no one notified me that I had become a celebrity’, jokes the 19 year old Judith Auma who plays scrum-half. She wears an aura of confidence in her gait and beams with excitement when the photographer asks her to approve one of the numerous photographs taken before upload alongside this story. She quickly wears an interview face when the first question is posed.
Are you new to rugby like some say?
I must say I am fairly new to the sport. I discovered it just 3 years ago when I was still at Olympic High School. Coach Diana Awino who still guides me at the Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Rugby Academy came to our school to request the administration if they would allow for the introduction of rugby into the school. Then, I used to play football. A couple of us joined, we had in-school sessions as well as sessions at Impala Club, but over the years, the other ladies i joined with from my school drifted off to pursue other interests.
Was it that easy moving out of football to rugby?
The challenges were there. I joined a team that already had players who knew how to pass and catch. It was a little difficult to fit in at the beginning, but I was never heart broken by my new teammates’ expectations. I embraced the challenges.
Are you happy with your achievements?
I am totally surprised by what I have been able to achieve in only 3 years. I played in the Impala team that finished 2nd during the Impala leg of the KRU Women’s League. Analysis says that I played a huge role in securing the 3rd place finish in the Nakuru leg. I however don’t plan on letting the praises get into my head. The Kenya Lionnesses set up has always been something I looked up to. Getting there has not been easy, leaving shouldn’t be easy as well. Experienced players sit within that fold, but just like I was confident against them during the women’s league, I will fight for my position in the team. My being awarded Most Promising Player of the League could just be the start of an exciting stint at the Lionesses.
Are there any lessons you’ve learnt while in this Academy?
Apart from the rugby, I have learnt the need to abstain from placing myself in situations that would jeopardize my future. Here we are taught reproductive health & the consequences that come with irresponsible sexual behavior. We are also taught the effects of drug abuse. I have also learnt how to make good financial decisions with every coin that passes my way. I have seen my friends out of the academy spend heavily on luxuries. I may not look ‘flowery’ on the outside to my fellow girls, but deep inside, I know what a good saving culture can do in times of need. The coaches teach us these lessons like it is a story telling session and no one feels uncomfortable to discuss some of these ‘heavy’ topics.
What is your back ground like?
My dad John and mum Merciline Okumu are both up country. My 2 sisters and 4 brothers are all up country as well. I completed high school and hoped to join college, but my efforts of joining an insitution of higher learning went fruitless due to inadequate finances. I currently live in a shared apartment with 2 other friends in Kibera 42 and we split the rent in three. I have a lot to thank my coach – Mary Otieno for her constant assistance in helping offset my split of the rent. I could do away with all other needs right now and focus on plugging one; the chance to continue with my education. I want to study supply management at Daikionia Institute in Nairobi. I have fallen in love with rugby & I promise to give back in kind to the academy during and after my studies. I have faith that the Academy can help me achieve this.