Ashiundu opens up on overcoming injury, to leading the league’s scoring chart

Kabras RFC’s winger Derrick Ashiundu alias Ashi returned to action with a bang after shaking off a nagging injury.

The fleet-footed speedster sustained an injury in August 2022 while playing for Kabras RFC during the National 7s Circuit final leg in Kakamega, where he suffered a broken leg.

That saw him ruled out of November’s repechage tournament in Dubai and the 2022/23 season.

He returned to action during the 2023/24 season where he made history as the league’s top try scorer, despite featuring only 38% of the matches.

He started in four out of his five appearances this season, making a significant impact with his try-scoring prowess.

Ashiundu kicked off his campaign with a stunning four-try performance against Kisumu RFC, but was unable to find the score sheet against Nondies.

He then bounced back with a brace against Catholic Monks, taking his tally to six tries in just three appearances.

His standout performance continued as he scored another four tries against Mwamba, bringing his total to 11 tries for the season.

His performance was instrumental in propelling Kabras RFC to their third consecutive Kenya Cup title.

Although he missed some matches due to injury, Ashiundu made a memorable comeback against Kenya Harlequin, adding another try to his name before his injury setback forced him out of action since matchday eight.

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, the powerful winger thanked God and all his fans who made his performance a great success.

Ashiundu also gave a sneak peek into his recovery period, noting that life on the sidelines was not a walk in the park.

He was grateful to the physio and rehabilitation session for helping him regain his strength and confidence.

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“The injury period was not an easy ride. Watching my friends play from the sidelines was messing me up. I always wanted to come back and play rugby,” he offered.

Despite the hardships faced during the recovery period, the speedster revealed that the tough period taught him a lesson or two.

He vowed to utilize every opportunity on the pitch once he overcame the nagging injury.

“Injury taught me that in a split second everything can be taken away from you. I learned to utilize the slightest opportunity given to me on the pitch. The rehabilitation period revealed strengths and weaknesses I didn't know about myself. I should brag and utilize every opportunity given to me,” he revealed.

During that dark time of his career, Ashiundu noted that he never felt isolated or alone, thanks to the unwavering support of his teammates and coaches.

“My team Kabras Sugar, as well as my friends and family, have been very supportive. I will be forever grateful for their kindness and encouragement," he offered.

For Ashiundu, injuries are an unavoidable aspect of the game.

He advised his fellow players to embrace it and stressed the crucial role of adhering to medical advice and treatment plans.

“Injuries are part of sports and sometimes no matter how hard we try to avoid them, they find a way. Accepting that you're injured and believing that you will be okay to go back to your sport is vital. They should follow doctors' instructions, take time to allow their bodies to heal, and most importantly pray to God to help them through the phases of recovery,” he advised.

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With the injury now behind his back, the Kenya Simbas’ speedster aims at making a stunning comeback to the national team as well, and etch his name in the annals of rugby history.

“I'm planning to keep training hard to make sure I'm always ready mentally and physically to compete. I keep praying to God to keep me injury-free so I can glorify His name through the talent he has given to me,” he concluded.

The Sugarmen are now sharpening their claws to defend the Enterprise Cup title they won last year.