• Daystar University
• 10 Nov, 2023

SPORTS

Daystar Falcons’ Trio Stake their Claim

By Stephen Awino

Geylord Ngasi, Eddie Wambugu and Mike Oduor have set their eyes on the Simbas after an impactful outing with the Chipu. The trio are coming off a campaign in the recently concluded World Rugby Under-20 Trophy tournament. The Daystar Falcons boys have had the privilege of representing their nation at the international stage. The trio’s journey has been nothing but incredible.

Geylord Ngasi’s rugby journey began when he joined the Daystar Falcons just a year ago. He faced several challenges as a newcomer with limited prior training. However, by sheer determination and perseverance he is today a promising player on the team.

After hearing about the Daystar rugby trials, Geylord decided to give it a shot. As a rookie, he had to prove himself during the preseason training sessions. His hard work and dedication earned him recognition from the coach. Despite falling ill during the first match of the season, Geylord’s debut came in the second match, and he continued to impress on the field. Adapting to the competitive environment of Athi River proved to be a challenge, but he pushed himself out of his comfort zone to excel.

Geylord’s ambition didn’t stop at college level. With aspirations of playing for Chipu (the Kenya Under-20 national rugby team), he trained relentlessly, drawing from the experience of the training sessions with Daystar Falcons. His efforts paid off, as he secured a spot on the national team, an achievement he never imagined possible. Reflecting on his journey, Geylord humbly acknowledges the invaluable lessons learned both on and off the field. Playing against skilled opponents has taught him to seek guidance and learn from others, leading to personal growth and improvement in his game.

“This kind of experience is what anyone playing rugby would wish for. It is so humbling yet also a rich lesson. As you are in the game, you meet

someone playing the same position as you and you are like this guy knows what he is doing.” At the end of the game, I would reach out and learn a few things from the opposition and from my own teammates with whom I socialize. That way I have come to learn a lot. When I started my rugby journey, I would never have imagined that I would get to experience such,” said Geylord.

Michael Oduor is another exciting export of Daystar Falcons. He has played for The Falcons for two seasons and has made tremendous progress in those two years.

Oduor reflects on how big a part Daystar Falcons played in preparing him to represent his country on the international stage.

“Falcons imenisaidia juu, you know the coach anajua your strength anakushow hapo hivo what you are capable of and if you execute it hio ndio kitu waanangalia huku kwa national team.”

Oduor advanced from just university rugby to national rugby. Many might fold under the pressure, but the young lad relishes the gusto of competing with the big boys. He compares his university rugby experience and that of the international stage and says it is indeed very different.

He shares how the pressure to perform when the cameras are on you and the nation is behind you was a bit overwhelming at first. He, however, got used to it and he has not looked

back ever since. The young player has had to hone his skills to be able to hold position number 2 for the Chipu. He adds the position is not short of challenges.

“Unajua mimi ni hooker, I play position number two and kama hooker, ball ikitoka, off the line I need to throw the ball back. Na kama kuna pressure mingi and I lose my concentration, hapo I end up ni methrow ball not straight and that’s a penalty against us.”

Having made such a huge milestone and a big switch to national rugby, just what does the future hold for some of rugby’s biggest prospect? Well, the young lads have set their sight on the Simbas and hope to make the switch from U20 rugby. It is incredible how greatness often emerges from such humble beginnings. As they pursue the path they have forged, Mike Odour, Eddie Njoroge, and Geylord Ngasi stand as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work.

Daystar’s Patrick Odongo leads Kenya to the 2024 Paris Olympics

In September 2023, Patrick Odongo, a Daystar Rugby Falcons team member, scored two of three goals that saw Kenya Rugby 7s team clinch the Africa title, and consequently qualify for 2024 Paris Olympics.

Despite being in a morning season after losing his mother at the time , Patrick still joined the Kenya national team in Harare, Zimbabwe, for the Rugby African Men’s 7s.

A Community Development major in the School of Applied Human Science, Patrick got a place in the national Kenya Shujaa Rugby Team.

Congratulations to Patrick Odongo for making Daystar shine brighter.