From rejection to redemption – Chipu youngster James Olela beats the odds to make U20 Trophy squad

When James Olela failed to make the Kenya Chipu final squad that represented the country in the 2023 U20 Barthes Cup, the youngster, who plies his trade at reigning Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar RFC, was left downcast.

From the trials that had over one hundred participants, Olela, who plays in the back 3, was among the unfortunate athletes who did not make the cut to the squad which ended up finishing in second place behind champions Zimbabwe in the tournament played at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi from 22-30 April.

At that time, his small physique was deemed just a little bit short of what was required in the squad.

“I remember that there were a lot of players who showed up for the trials, over one hundred. It was difficult to have the adequate time to perfectly showcase yourself fully but nonetheless I did the best I could.

Unfortunately, I did not make the cut because in the end not all of us could go through. At the time I was told that I was small,” the 18 year old revealed to Mozzart Sport.

James Olela © Fanaka Studios

It was a moment that lingered in the mind of the Vihiga Boys High School alumnus for quite some time and informed the areas that he would go to work on during his training regime.

However, Olela never gave up despite the rejection and kept believing in himself.

“I just had to go back home after that but in my head I kept telling myself that I could still do it and that I could still be called up to the squad.

I was told that I was small so my emphasis was on gym work and running mainly. I never put any bad feeling to it,” Olela, who joined Kabras from Mumias RFC, disclosed.

And back he went to his club where he put in the work behind the scenes that led to what he believes was the turning point in his budding career.

Having been a regular in the Kabras Sugar second team that played in the Eric Shirley Shield (ESS) – a league featuring reserve sides of the top flight clubs - the youngster was included in the 2022/2023 Enterprise Cup final squad when Kabras took on their fierce rivals KCB in the cup competition final.

For Olela, it was a huge moment!

James Olela (second last) as Kabras exchange pleasantries with KCB © Fanaka Studios

And a chance that thrusted his name in the Kenya Chipu fray once again just before the U20 Trophy got underway as he managed to score on debut and in a match of such magnitude.

“Making Kabras' Enterprise Cup final squad against KCB and scoring a try

gave me the advantage to make it to the U20 team.

It was such a good experience, playing against the likes of Darwin Mukidza - a retired Kenya Simbas international. It came like a full circle moment because I was told I was small but here I was playing against the big boys,” he told Mozzart Sport.

Three months since being turned down, Olela was then included in the 28 man final squad named for the World Rugby U20 Trophy and is in line to make his Chipu debut when Kenya face Spain in their second match of the prestigious competition.

In reflection, Olela, who developed rugby interest in form 2 during his secondary school days at Vihiga Boys, cannot be more grateful of the opportunity ahead.

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And after modeling his game around Ugandan international Philip Wokorach and Fijian born Kenyan international Jone Kubu, who both happen to be Kabras Sugar players during their careers, Olela is confident of going only one way – up!

“This is such a good moment because when I was in high school, I was only seeing people like Philip Wokorach and Jone Kubu who were my inspiration. I never imagined being here because there is a time I came for trials but I never made it to the final squad.

My target now is to become the top try scorer and to play make which is my job. Most importantly, I have to play with the next man and not to be selfish,” he concluded.

Olela receiving his Enterprise Cup medal from KRU chairman Sasah Mutai © Fanaka Studios

Olela will start as a full back against Spain in what will be his first match for the junior national rugby 15s side.

Player Bio

Date of Birth – 7 August 2004

High School - Vihiga Boys (Finished March 2022)

Clubs Played For - Mumias RFC, Kabras (Joined September 2022)

Rugby interest – Started playing in form 2 back in 2019.

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