From scoring tries to combating crimes: Kenya 7s star finds new passion as cop

The zeal to pursue a lifelong passion has seen Homeboyz RFC player Collins Shikoli, 26, go from a speedster to a police officer within a span of months. The Deejayz winger is now an important member of a different team.

Shikoli became a household name in Kenya rugby during his tenure with Homeboyz RFC where he has played over 1,000 matches for the side. It was during that period when Homeboyz RFC rose to two Kenya Cup semi-final appearances, won the Enterprise Cup, and won two National 7s circuits in 2022. He made his international debut in the 2021/22 HSBC London 7s during Innocent 'Namcos' Simiyu’s reign.

The Homeboyz RFC winger now works as a policeman in the Rapid Deployment Unit in Utawala, Nairobi, but that was after realizing that an opportunity he long-awaited presented itself right before him.

“I decided to become a police officer because it’s something that has been crossing my mind since I was young, so this opportunity came at the very right time,” Shikoli told Mozzart Sport.

He graduated from the National Police College, Main Campus Kiganjo after celebrating the end of his nine-month training at the institution alongside Jeffrey Oluoch and Levi Amunga. Kenya Lionesses players Grace Odhiambo and Christabel Lindo were also part of the function held in Embakasi, Nairobi on January 12, 2023. To Shikoli, that was a memory he holds dear.

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“Achieving it was really heartwarming and thanks to the Kenya 7s family, the Team Manager Mr. Eric Ongweno, Coach Namcos, and Captain Nelson Oyoo who were very instrumental in me getting the job,” Shikoli recalled.

Achieving that did not come without its challenges. Being a rugby player, fitness was not a problem, but the mind needed some construction too.

“Police training is not a walk in the park. Not just anyone can walk into the camp and go through it. It requires a very tough mentality,” Shikoli disclosed.

The last time Shikoli was on the international stage was in May 2022 at London 7s where Shujaa were pooled alongside Ireland, Argentina, and South Africa. He admits that tackling criminals does not help him get over missing the adrenaline kick of taking on the world’s toughest opponents.

“I don’t think I’d say the adrenaline of handling and working with lawbreakers can match the big stage one. Both have their extremes,” he explained.

He has urged current players to start thinking about life after rugby. He advised; “It is very key for players to have a fallback plan that can get back to after you retire or get a lifetime injury. And not just in rugby, it cuts across all other sports.”