The sky could have never been within reach for him. If you were in his position, you would constantly have these questions colliding against set standards in your thoughts: Does size really matter? Does height really matter when your insight and experience within the sport supersedes that of your opponent? Place him one on one with a defender, you are sure of nothing but a quick step and disappearance. He weaves out of tight situations with lightning fast feet, creates acres of space in previously jam-packed defence lines, accelerates with unimaginable ability & manages to control even the most heated of matches involving players who’ve seen more light years than him. The Fijian, like some of the academy kids call him is more than just the starting 9 jersey at Resolution Impala Saracens.
Some people allege that you have been keeping your age secret
Why would I? My name is Samson Bogongo Osomu. I am only 25
Do you recall when you first came in contact with a rugby ball?
I started playing at 15. Mini rugby was the in-thing then. We used to come play at Impala because we knew a reward existed at the end of the training sessions: Milk & snacks. I never knew that this passion would grow to becoming a career in future.
What kept your passion going throughout adolescence?
I continued playing rugby well into my high school years at Bungoma High School under Mr. Barasa who created formidable teams during my time there. Emerging MVP in one of the Age- Grade tournaments opened my eyes to what the future could be hiding.
Are there people who you will never forget through your moulding journey?
The late Eric Situma & my high school coach – Mr. Barasa take all the credit. While Barasa introduced me to a new dimension in competitive rugby, Situma gave me the keys to decision making both on and off the field of play. Through Situma, I was also able to move from fullback/wing, ( positions which I played while running ball with the Resolution Impala Saracens Boks) to scrum-half. This switch in positions is the reason I am with the Kenya XV today.
Is it true that you are part of the aggregating unit of the Standard Chartered Impala Rugby Academy?
Yes! Together with the late Situma and Steve Juma, we were able to create a structure which has created top-grade players whose rugby future looks very bright. Flanker Paul Mutsami, scrum-half Ian Mabwa and Centre Billy Omondi are some of the names to look out for in the future. I was also happy to be at the Academy Open Day where 24 promising players were awarded academic scholarships.
Has it been easy navigating the rugby rapids?
I tore my meniscus while playing in Singapore during the Annual Singapore Cricket Club Rugby Tournament. Healing involved surgery, but I am thankful to Dr. Mbugua of AIC Kijabe for working magic with his scalpel, S&C coach Mike ‘Masti’ Owino for pushing me through rehab and Resolution Impala Saracens for covering the medical fees.
Are there moments in your rugby journey that you would obviously want to relive?
My try against HongKong on a Tuesday night at Impala Club and winning the 2016 Floodlit tournament are unforgettable moments!
Are you happy with how the Gazelles played this season?
This season we must admit we were on and off. I really wont talk about that in detail but I believe we the best team in Kenya. We just didn’t take our chances when it really mattered. We however came out stronger since we did not die.
Does your social life affect how you play in any way?
Rugby is a contact sport. At some point, you need to relax in order to re-energize. But I have seen excessive indulgence in party ruining players. I have a lovely daughter. Family has shed more light to me. It has built responsibility. My family gives me immediate support, love and comfort. I have a smooth good relationship with Kenya XV players too. I get along with everyone, be it prop or fullback.
Are you scheming a plan to become Kenya XV first choice scrum-half?
I believe everyone called up to Kenya XV is equally talented, with potential and excellent. That includes me so I don’t underestimate anyone neither do I overestimate. I believe competition makes us even better, to answer ur question there are only two of us in the team at the moment.
Have you ever been to Japan?
Yes we are going to qualify for 2019 world cup
