Rugby, a sport that has been termed as a game of men, requires physical strength, mental brilliance and extraordinary skills.
Our sports reporter Duncan Mutua, precisely unfolds Jacob Ojee`s journey, one of Kenya`s finest rugby player who has made an impact both in local and international arenas.
Jacob`s journey to the top began as a mere passion which was ignited by his brother who played rugby. He enjoyed watching his brother play and his love for the game grew tremendously with time.
“Rugby nilianza tu as a passion by watching my brother play and I fell in love with the game.” Ojee stated.
He vividly remembers his first week as a form one in Cardinal Otunga high school in Kisii, where he became part of the school team, which later made history by qualifying for national games after defeating St. Marys Yalla at the provisional level.
“After a very long time, Cardinal Otunga finally made it to the national team marking the beginning of the golden generation.” Ojee stated.
Ojee was part of the Safari Sevens school category at the age of 17 years which became his breakthrough in the year 2009.
Between 2009 and 2012 Kisumu RFC was the heartbeat of the lake region, the club produced some of the notable names in rugby, such as the late Richard Sidindi, former Kenya shujaa player Billy Odhiambo, Martin Owila and Lameck Ambetsa, Ojee was part of the generation that attracted heavyweights of rugby in Nairobi.
He later joined the Kenya Commercial Bank rugby team under the influence of Andrew Amonde and 15 years down the line he happily says that the journey has been life- changing.
In 2013, he received a maiden call up to the national team but he did not play, in 2014 he made his debut for the Kenya Sevens team under South African coach Paul True and that was the beginning of his rugby sevens journey, from a little boy from Nyanza to becoming an Olympian with Kenya Shujaa.
The former student of accounts and finance got a career ending injury at the prime of his career.
“It was a very bad injury that affected both my physical and mental health, nilijirudisha kwa game by coaching team ya KCB ya rugby girls.” Ojee noted.
Peter Kilonzo, performance analyst at KCB, says Ojee is very professional and a go getter.
“You can see his professionalism by the number of cups he has achieved for the Kenya Simbas. Over 33 cups.” Peter stated.
Off the pitch, Jacob is equally driven. He is a successful entrepreneur, a founder of the “the Outlook,” a clothing brand inspired by his love for fashion and hip-hop culture.
In rugby, there are players who make a difference, and then there are those who leave a legacy. Jacob Ojee is one of the latter. He has been a generational talent and a true champion, both on and off the field.
