Darwin Mukidza reveals reason for switching from KCB to Nondies
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 24.09.25. | 20:03
He says the transition has been smooth, thanks to his existing relationships with players and officials at the Red Lions
Former Kenya Simbas captain Darwin Mukidza has revealed the reason behind his move from former Kenya Cup champions KCB Rugby to Nondescripts after a long and successful spell with the Bankers.
Mukidza, who retired from playing in March 2023, had been serving as KCB’s backs coach until the expiry of his contract on May 26, 2025.
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His exit coincided with sweeping changes at the club’s technical bench, which saw Dennis Mwanja appointed interim head coach following the departure of Oliver Mang’eni.
At the same time, team manager Priscilla Amollo Ong’ombe also left.
The 36-year-old stalwart, who spent nearly his entire playing career with KCB, admitted the move came with mixed emotions.
The silver lining was that the move was a natural next step in his coaching journey.
“There are always mixed emotions because I spent most of my playing career there. That is where I grew from a boy to a man.
My contract ended, and I had to stay and give back to rugby. And Nondies came, and now I am working on my coaching skills,” the softspoken Mukidza offered.
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The Smiling Assassin, as he was commonly known during his playing days, has since joined Nondies’ technical bench and has been a familiar face in the club’s Legends side.
He says the transition has been smooth, thanks to his existing relationships with players and officials at the Red Lions.
“After hanging up my boots, I was involved with the Legends by Nondies, and most of the guys there we have interacted at the national and international level. They have been very accommodating. I feel good being here doing what I love,” he said.
At Nondies, Mukidza is focused on sharpening the backs and helping the club improve its fortunes after a challenging National 7s Circuit. Nondies finished a disappointing 12th with 39 points.
Their lowest point during the circuit came when they played in Division Two of the Kabeberi 7s.
“I want Nondies to have better results than last season. I wish to improve the skills and playing style of my players, especially the backs. They are an interesting group of players who understand the game, so for me it is to guide them,” Mukidza said.
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Mukidza’s legacy in Kenyan rugby is firmly cemented.
He made his international debut for the Simbas in 2015 against Portugal and went on to earn 47 caps, becoming the team’s all-time leading point and try scorer.
His last match came in November 2022 against Hong Kong during the Rugby World Cup repechage in Dubai. He also turned out 16 times for the Kenya Sevens team.
The highlight of his international career came in 2022 when he helped the Simbas finish second at the Rugby Africa Cup, narrowly missing out on World Cup qualification.
With his playing days behind him, Mukidza is now focused on giving back to the game through coaching and developing the next generation of rugby talent.
