Coach's motivation that earned Blak Blad's Meja Mulongo two Ingo 7s awards

Meja Mulongo of Kenyatta University’s rugby team; Blak Blad, is still enjoying the sweet smell of success after winning two awards in the second leg of the 2024 National Sevens Circuit; Kakamega Ingo 7s played at the Kakamega Showground over the weekend.

The center/winger won the top try scorer and top points scorer. He scored eight tries in Kakamega. He was also included in the Tisini Team of the Tournament with 59 impact points.

Now that the dust has settled on the tournament, Mozzart Sport caught up with Mulongo who was pleased to tick the top try scorer wish off his bucket list.

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Throughout the tournament, he found himself constantly inspired by the motivational words of coach Rotich. Dedication and hard work also came in handy.

“Before the start of pre-season, I remember my coach saying "Meja hii ndio mwaka yako (Meja this is your year). These words kept running in my mind. The coach's belief in me was key. There was a lot of hard work in the background. Working up at 5am for the morning session,” he offered.

His best game in the tournament was their second pool match against Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby where he scored a hat-trick. The tries propelled Blak Blad to a 34-14 score which was their first win in Kakamega.

They ended the tournament in eighth position after a 19-14 loss to Strathmore Leos in the challenge trophy final.

For Mulongo, the awards only motivated him to be consistent and achieve more. He aims to turn up for the Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa in future.

“Part of my goals for this circuit was to make a dream team which I have achieved too. Now I'm even headed to the hardest path of being consistent.

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These awards are a motivating factor. When a business man invests and makes a profit, he invests more. I'm working hard to become better. Every rugby player’s dream is to represent the country,” he revealed.

Apart from playing for the national team, the fleet footed winger aims at setting the standards for the upcoming players in his hometown; Webuye.

“I also want the young upcoming boys back in my hometown to see that even if they are from humble backgrounds through rugby, they can even secure scholarships and other opportunities. They shouldn't be discouraged. Keep on working,” he disclosed.

His coach Benard Rotich refused to be carried away by his protégé’s awards, noting that his best was yet to come. While he has been on an impressive growth curve, the tactician insisted that he could do and achieve more.

“He had a good tournament and I hope he keeps the same form. It is important for him and the team as well.

It started in the 15s version of the game he played well scoring some spectacular tries while playing ESS. Hopefully he notices that it's time for him to work harder than ever now to remain at the top of his game,” he concluded.

The students currently sit at 10th position on the National Sevens Circuit log after two outings. They will be keen to bag maximum points in the remaining legs.