Diving deep while scoring high: Lastie's dual life as a utility player and deep-sea diver

In the vibrant world of rugby, there are few tales as captivating as that of Lastie, a South Coast Pirates player with an extraordinary story.

Beyond the rugby pitch lies a lesser-known facet of his life that sets him apart from the rest; deep-sea diving.

With a spirit as boundless as the ocean itself, Lastie is not just your average player, but a man of two worlds. Beneath the waves, he plunges into the depths as a daring deep-sea diver, but when the whistle blows, he emerges as a force to be reckoned with on the pitch.

Mozzart Sport caught up with this dual champion who conquers both the ocean's depths and the heights of rugby stardom.

Mwinyi Juma popularly known as Lastie was born on March 14, 1999. He is a utility player for the Kwale-based South Coast Pirates RFC.

"I play as a utility player; scrum half and on both wings; 11 and 14," Lastie disclosed.

Growing up, Lastie's passion for rugby was undeniable, but fate seemed to steer him towards a different path. With his little frame, his mother initially encouraged him to pursue soccer instead, afraid that the rough and rugged rugby pitch would prove too daunting for her son.

However, after years of pleading and showcasing his unwavering dedication, his efforts finally paid off. In 2014, his mother finally gave in to his dreams, wholeheartedly supporting his journey as a rugby player. From that moment, there was no turning back.

"I grew up playing soccer and my family was of great support because my dad was also a footballer. It was until I joined high school where I grew an interest of playing rugby. I joined rugby back in 2014. My parents were against me because back then I was very tiny and my mum was against it.

Getting their approval was not easy but they eventually agreed to support me and I joined South Coast Pirates RFC, the only rugby club in Kwale County," the enthusiastic scrum half told Mozzart Sport.

When the world came to a standstill in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, the dynamic Pirates player found himself seeking new avenues to quench his thirst for adventure. Amidst the uncertainty, an expected opportunity emerged.

Inspired by his uncle, a Kenya Wildlife Services officer and an avid deep-sea diver, Lastie found himself drawn to the interesting depths of the ocean. It was then that he embraced the thrill of deep-sea diving.

"My uncle, an officer of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), inspired me to dive. I approached him during the Covid pandemic and he agreed. I was sharp and quickly mastered the basics and within five days, he tested me on a depth of 10m and I managed.

It is easier to learn to dive if you are used to swimming. I only had to learn the basics of diving including signs and safety precautions," Lastie offered.

For the playmaker, the line that separates the rugby pitch from the underwater world is blurred. According to Lastie, the skills honed on the rugby pitch have seamlessly woven into his career as a diver.

"Some things like physical fitness and body balance to avoid some minor things like muscle pull are key. Communication skills too because underwater, we do communicate through gestures and sometimes the sea might not be clear so we have to be keen to understand what your colleague is trying to say. The same in rugby communication is key," Lastie explained.

Juggling the demands of a professional rugby player and the adventurous world of deep-sea diving requires a rare combination of dedication, time management, and unwavering passion. Despite that, the utility player has risen up to the challenge, showcasing utmost determination.

"Balancing both careers has not been easy but I manage. At first, it was challenging because maybe the coach gives you a program during morning hours and at the same time you are supposed to go diving. For such programs, I have to pay an extra fee to take them in the evening. Diving takes like 4-5 hours of my day," Lastie told Mozzart Sport.

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Lastie's underwater experiences transcend the ordinary. He explains a world of serenity and danger, where he finds solace and thrill in equal measure.

"First, the blue world is so amazing. It might be a bit scary depending on where you will dive. In some places you enjoy the scenery and you find other places that are scary. For me I've experienced both places but for sure the sea is not a place to miss.

It’s so beautiful, the corals, different types of fish and other creatures. It’s very okay there. Sometimes I wish I stayed there the whole day but we only stay underwater for 1hr 15mins utmost, and we are out," he revealed.

One top diving spot that leaves Lastie awe-struck is the enchanting Wasini where he encounters a dazzling array of marine life, from playful dolphins and gentle sea turtles to vibrant corals and colorful fish.

"Shimoni (Wasini) is the best place I have dived. First, because of the presence of dolphins, turtles, and different types of fish around. The water is clear and not challenging in terms of visibility unlike other places," he disclosed.

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As a diver, the 24-year-old envisions himself working as an instructor, while still using his deep-sea explorations to raise awareness about the fragile underwater ecosystem, as well as advocate for its preservation. His long-term dream as a player is to be an international utility player.

"I still have a dream of playing the highest level of rugby and also playing for my country. I also want to be an instructor in my diving career. I want to be the first ever rugby player and a diver," he told Mozzart Sport.

South Coast Pirates RFC head coach Kevin Amiani described the utility player as a key player in the team, not only in the concluded season, but also other previous seasons.

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"Mwinyi is a coachable, humble, and talented man. His ability to play several positions gives him an upper hand during selection. He has played a vital role not only this season but the previous season too," the soft spoken Amiani told Mozzart Sport.

South Coast Pirates RFC is the only rugby team in Kwale competing in the championship league. They will be keen to advance to the top tier this season after their last attempt ended in the finals stage where they lost 39-10 to Nondies RFC.