Spencer is a name well known in the rugby world. From Spencer Fondaumiere, who captained the Saint Mary’s School to a win at Prescott in 2004, to the former All black flyhalf and current Eastern Province Kings coach- Carlos Spencer.
Spencers are known for their ingenuity, creativity and fearsome attitude. They identify with the leader role in a stagnant world, as depicted Herbert Spencer, who was an enthusiastic component of evolution, and even wrote about evolution before Darwin did. If you are a man of class, chances are high that a Marks & Spencer shirt is part of your dinner date wardrobe.
Standard Chartered Impala Rugby Academy’s Obiero Spencer Ochieng is breaking records, trampling on fresh grass, galloping on courses he wasn’t meant to tread on. He is the best of the rugby Spencers.
While Spencer Foundamiere rocked the rugby scene in High School, when he was probably 18, Carlos Spencer received a Graham Henry nod for Auckland at 16. Obiero Spencer has represented his country Kenya in France, at 13.
His discipline on the pitch and raw talent are qualities you will almost never find in an age grade player. Obiero who lives in Kibera’s 42 estate, thanks his brothers Anthony Otieno, Elias Odhiambo and coach Irene Atieno for introducing him to the sport which has opened his eyes and heart to appreciating the wider rugby world.
‘He was versatile at the beginning, grasping concepts like a magnet. We couldn’t let him continue playing at the under under 10 level in 2010 when he was introduced to the sport. He quickly leaped into the under 12 category and was soon boarding a plane to Paris, France, to represent Kenya in an under 15 tournament. I am very proud to be involved in his successes – Irene Otieno, Obiero’s introductory coach in 2010.
Sam Onsomu, his current coach who also doubles up as Impala Saracens halfback notes that Obiero Spencer will soon play for the national team, a desire burning with similar ferocity in the player’s belly. He would never give up on his teammates, creates open chances from chance events, tackles hard and always aims for the try line.
Obiero watches the International Sevens Circuit and is quick to point out Felix Ayange, his inspiration. His face lightens up and even chuckles when I intimate to him that I once played against Ayange and thrashed his team.
When I asked him about his future in academics and occupation, he was explicit on the desire of securing a scholarship to joining Kakamega High School and later on pursuing an engineering course at the University of Nairobi.
– Adopted from: http://www.osbke.com/agegrade/the-new-spencer-in-town/#sthash.ZBIro12W.B73PRliE.dpuf
