Former Kisii School captain reveals difference in club and school rugby after joining Strathmore Leos
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 18.07.26. | 07:19
He captained Kisii School to the 2025 FEASSSA (Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association) Rugby 15s title
Former Kisii School captain Charles Obiero has opened up about the transition from high school rugby to the club game after joining Strathmore Leos.
Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news
The youngster described it as a different environment that has allowed him to continue developing while balancing other commitments.
Obiero, who captained Kisii School to the 2025 FEASSSA (Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association) Rugby 15s title, explained that making the move to Strathmore immediately after finishing high school was always part of his plan.
The Nelvine Nesta-coached side etched their name into the history books by winning their maiden FEASSSA Rugby 15s crown after dethroning defending champions All Saints Embu 11-6 in a tightly contested final at the Bullring in Kakamega.
The final was evenly poised at 6-6 at halftime, with Matrix Matangi, who was later named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, converting two penalties for Kisii, while Josephat Karanja responded with two penalties for All Saints.
Kisii had booked their place in the final with a narrow 3-0 victory over Upper Hill School, while All Saints defeated Uganda's Jinja Senior School 24-11 in the other semifinal.
Looking back on the memorable campaign, Obiero admitted the journey to the East African title was challenging, particularly because the squad had to juggle rugby with the demands of their final year in school.
"The build-up to East Africa was a bit hard, both physically and mentally, because being in Form Four, we were also focusing on our studies. But the effort that we put in and the hard work went well. We managed to lift the title last year in Kakamega. That was a milestone for us, especially in high school rugby. That was the biggest trophy we could get,” the outspoken Obiero said.
After completing his secondary education, Obiero wasted no time beginning life at Strathmore Leos, revealing he reported for training just a week after finishing school to avoid losing momentum.
"I wanted to play at Strathmore so much. Immediately after I finished school, the next week I was training with Strathmore because I did not want to have that break. I also thought the earlier the better, and it has worked out for me,” he continued.
The youngster also highlighted the key differences between school and club rugby, noting that while both environments demand commitment, club rugby offers players greater flexibility.
.jpeg)
"For high school rugby, there is a lot of development going on; people put in a lot of work and effort, but for club rugby, it is already established. The training is not as intense, but it is somehow intense. Club rugby is a bit more lenient, as they understand you have other things going on. It is good,” he said.
Obiero is now setting his sights on silverware with Strathmore Leos, who finished runners-up in the 2025 National 7s Circuit, and believes the side has what it takes to go one better.
"This year, we are doing all we can to clinch the title. We came in second place last year, and we hope to carry that momentum into this year and win it,” he said.
The 2026 National 7s Circuit kicks off on Saturday, 25 July at the Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru.