Former Shujaa captain reveals why he is not ready to retire
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 16.07.25. | 21:20
Last season, Ouma came out of a break to help Nakuru RFC break a seven-match losing streak with a crucial 32-22 win over Kisumu RFC
“I always say, the jersey is earned. They have to take the jersey from me; I will not just give it away.”
Those are the powerful words of former Kenya Sevens captain and Nakuru RFC legend Oscar Ouma, who has made it clear that retirement is not part of his plans.
The seasoned flanker, who will coach Nakuru for the upcoming National 7s Circuit sevens team, says he is gearing up for a full return to the 15s format, not as a temporary fix during crisis times, but as a core player from start to finish.
“For the 7s, I will be coaching. For the 15s, I will go back to playing, and not during the relegation period, but from the start to the end of the season,” he told Mozzart Sport.
Last season, Ouma came out of a break to help Nakuru RFC break a seven-match losing streak with a crucial 32-22 win over Kisumu RFC, one that helped steer the club away from the danger of relegation.
With him playing in the backline, he faced immense pressure from Kisumu’s defence but skilfully created space for his teammates to capitalize on attacking opportunities, leading to a more structured and confident team performance.
Now, he is ready to go the distance.
“I am still playing. The day my legs refuse, when I know I cannot play anymore, I will call it quits. But as long as I go for training and no one takes up that jersey, then I will continue keeping it,” he offered.
For Ouma, Nakuru RFC is more than just a team. It is home.
It is where he identified his talent, nurtured it, and made a name for himself on both the local and international stage.
“I miss playing. You know, once you play for one club, and it is your club, played for it when you were young, up to this level, it stays with you,” he said.
While his current pace may not match the demands of the shorter version of the game, Ouma is channeling his energy into shaping the future of the club through coaching.
“I do enjoy coaching, which means I am giving back all the knowledge I have accumulated, from the different coaches to the senior players I have played against,” he revealed.
His approach to coaching is rooted in continuity, passing down wisdom to the next generation, and ensuring it does not die with him.
“If I can transfer the knowledge I have learned, that means it will not die with me. And the players will also share that knowledge with others,” he offered.
Even as a coach, Ouma is a student of the game.
“I am learning on the job as well. The moment you do something, you analyze, then you hear from other coaches, and you keep improving,” he said.
During the inaugural Ruff n Tuff 7s tournament held on Saturday, 12 July, Nakuru took sixth place after a 19-12 loss to Blak Blad in the fifth-place playoff.
