The apple didn’t fall far from the tree as displayed by this tall young man. He is gifted with the physique, blessed with pace and insight to the game. Rugby in his family is inborn & he seems to be the one flying the talent high in this second generation. While his father, Dr. Maina ‘Mad-Max’ Muniafu etched his name in the Kenya rugby history books, he wants to engrave his in the future of Kenya XV. Simon comes out as a laid back youngster off the pitch, but if you’ve spared time to watch him play this season, you’ll notice that his on-pitch demeanour entirely contrasts that of him on the sidelines. There were rumours published about him leaving Impala, read on to know what he has to say…
Is it true that you still have many years ahead of you?
Don’t you think it would be better if I first introduced myself? I am Simon Masakha Muniafu and I am only 21.
Where did you come in contact with the competitive side of this sport?
I went to St. Mary’s School – Nairobi
Who influenced you to try out the sport?
Influence from family at first, but mostly self interest has driven me to this point
How did you find yourself at Impala?
I started at Impala when still in high school at the Standard Chartered Impala Saracens Rugby Academy level. We used to train on school holidays. That was in August 2012 and August 2013. My eldest brother Steven Muniafu was at Impala then, so I joined him when I completed high school. There was also some convincing from the club & other Impala players who had graduated from Saints.
Are there people or events that you believe contributed largely to your breaking out to this level of competition?
Most of the senior players and the late Eric Situma were relatively influential in my growth. Being exposed to Christchurch in 2011(St.Bedes U16) and the Saracens UK 2015 (Global Network Programme) camp do have a contribution to me as a rugby player both on and off the pitch.
Have you won any personal awards?
No awards yet but good things take time. Maybe the next few seasons are hiding those awards. What do I know?
Is there a decision you are happy you made during your rugby career?
Positioning is very important nowadays. Well, I am happy I chose to be a lock. It is working really well for me
Do you regret any choices made?
I would not say I regret doing anything considering that some of those decisions came with lessons to be learnt.
Have you ever experienced euphoric moments playing?
Playing in the bamburi super series, playing in the final of kenya cup last season,and my first Kenya XV cap would be unforgettable.
The Resolution Impala Saracens Gazelles team fell short this season. What do you think the team needed to do right?
That is a tough call considering the level of competition,it is not simple to point out everything maybe execution and being clinical in our plays.
Is there a player you think is a perfect lock & lock match to you?
Everyone I play with has turned out to be quality filled. But I have to point out that I enjoyed playing lock with Impala lock Erick Kerre last season at Kenya XV.
Is it true that you want to jump the fence?
At the moment I am an Impala player.
How does the future of Impala look like to you?
Impala has depth in all positions,most players who played there debut this year will probably wreck havoc in coming seasons.
What has been the formula for making sure you get selected for Kenya XV assignment?
I think it is every players dream to play at the highest level possible and give their all. I always strive to keep a good relationship with my teammates both club and country. When you want to play at the biggest level, you know what needs to happen in the back-end and you do it.
Who would you say you look up to?
Eben Etzebeth – the 25 year old 6’ 8’’ South African lock
You understand how the structures in Kenya Rugby look like. What else do you do apart from rugby?
I did culinary arts. I assist in running an outside catering company and personal chef hospitality.
Does Kenya have any chance of playing in Japan in the next 2 years?
We need to stay positive and trust the team, any negativity will only take us back. Kenya has very good & seasoned players chiselled by an extremely competitive local league. All we need is to focus more on our national team. We’ll unlock the keys to world dominance if we keep improving everyday. It would also be great to have an earlier pre season.