Amon Wamalwa opens up on lessons from South Africa that have shaped his rugby journey
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 08.10.24. | 07:38
Although he missed out on making the Shujaa squad for the Safari 7s, Wamalwa remains optimistic that his time will come
In February this year, rugby sensation Amon Wamalwa marked a pivotal moment in his career when he joined the Rhinos High-Performance Training Camp in South Africa.
During his six-month stint at the camp, he trained alongside fellow Kenyan players, including Menengai Oilers’ James Asanga and the Kabras Sugar duo of James Olela and Jacktone Omondi. Under the guidance of head coach Frankie Horne, Wamalwa honed his skills and gained invaluable insights, which he brought back to Kenya.
His experience proved instrumental for Kenya Harlequin, helping them clinch the National 7s Circuit title. Quins demonstrated consistent form throughout the season, reaching five semifinals out of six tournaments and securing wins at the Kakamega Ingo 7s and Driftwood 7s to clinch the championship with 110 points.
This result placed them alongside their Nairobi neighbors—Impala, Mwamba RFC, and KCB Rugby—as one of the most successful teams in the National Sevens Circuit.
During his time at the camp, Wamalwa noted that the training intensity was unlike anything he had ever experienced in Kenya.
“In South Africa, I learned a lot. Being there for six months, I grew as a player, which helped me perform well in the NSC. It was tough, but under Frankie Horne, I worked on strength and focusing on turnovers,” he shared.
The former Homeboyz RFC player also trained with Springbok 7s players and played several matches alongside them, allowing him to absorb new tactics and strategies. He acknowledged that the experience enhanced both his performance and mental resilience.
One standout moment for Wamalwa during the National 7s Circuit was his electrifying 80-meter try against Kabras in the Christie 7s final, where he visibly pushed through exhaustion.
“I was extremely fatigued during the match, but the training in South Africa taught me to perform even when tired,” he told Mozzart Sport.
Wamalwa emphasised that the camp wasn’t just about physical conditioning; it also provided an opportunity for personal growth and adaptation. Working with players from diverse backgrounds prepared him to collaborate more effectively with his Kenyan teammates.
“It was generally a great environment where every player aspires to be. It wasn’t easy being away from home, but over time you adapt. You just breathe in, relax, and let things flow naturally,” Wamalwa explained.
Looking ahead, Wamalwa remains committed to continuous improvement and future successes on the pitch.
“I’ll keep working hard, stay humble, and use success as motivation. Hard work pays off, and I want to continue being the best version of myself,” he affirmed.
Although he missed out on making the Shujaa squad for the Safari 7s, Wamalwa remains optimistic that his time will come.
