Dennis Abukuse shows recovery progress, overwhelmed by fan support

Menengai Oilers’ playmaker Dennis Abukuse will only provide a return-to-play timeline once his specialist advises following his latest injury.

The Kenya 7s International’s immediate playing future has been in serious doubt since he knocked himself out attempting a tackle early in their Christie 7s opening match against Nondies RFC. Abukuse suffered a head injury after colliding heads with his teammate, Chrispin Shitundo, as they tried to bring down a Nondies RFC player.

The injury was Abukuse’s first since he started his rugby career, forcing him to take mandatory rest’, as he described it.

"I don’t know what I am feeling. I have never rested since I started rugby. This injury has given me some mandatory rest. This is my first injury, and it is the worst," Abukuse said.

Abukuse describes how the impact of the collision disoriented him, causing him to lose consciousness and have no recollection of the events that transpired. The next thing he knew, he was waking up in a hospital bed, surrounded by concerned health professionals.

"I was admitted for almost a week. I don't remember what happened next. I just woke up and found myself in the hospital," Abukuse recalls.

For Abukuse, the most agonizing part of his injury was the heartbreaking reality that he was unable to represent Kenya at the Africa Men’s 7s tournament. Losing out on that chance due to an injury was a bitter pill to swallow.

"Imagine the national team is out of the country competing. It was really my dream to represent Kenya in the Africa Men’s 7s tournament and eventually go back to the HSBC, and boom, the injury comes," Abukuse told Mozzart Sport.

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The Bungoma High School alumnus further noted that it was heartbreaking to witness his team relinquish the National 7s Circuit to KCB Rugby. His injury prevented him from scoring crucial points for the Oilers. The side finished their campaign in position four, a decline from the 2022 circuit, where they emerged as overall winners with 113 points.

"Seeing my team lose was the worst part of my healing process. In my notebook for this circuit, I had written that teams like Nakuru RFC and Nondies RFC would not win against the Oilers this circuit, but unfortunately it ended this way," he offered.

The 2023 Driftwood 7s Most Valuable Player also extended gratitude to the rugby fraternity for their support during this challenging phase of his career. He noted that their support is motivating as he perseveres through the trials of recovery.

"My friends, teammates, and fans have been supportive. The fans were also coming to the hospital to see me. A big shout out to the players and fans who also kept texting and calling. I do not want to fail my fans. I was not born to be a failure. I give my all and play any game like there is no other," Abukuse said.

With the fans anticipating his comeback, Abukuse only promised more. However, he emphasized that his top priority would always be his own safety and well-being. He foresees a future where the Oilers will lift the Kenya Cup title.

"This period is giving me a chance to rest, and I will come back stronger. So far, I have carried the circuit and been runners-up in the Kenya Cup league. My goal is to be part of the Menengai Oilers team that will win the Kenya Cup title someday," Abukuse said.

Drawing from his own experience, Abukuse emphasized the importance of game awareness, maintaining peak physical fitness, and adhering to correct techniques during training and matches.

"In rugby, you have to protect yourself first before the team doctor or referee protects you. Protection begins with you. As rugby players, we should know how to tackle because I think that is where most injuries arise," he concluded.

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