How young brother inspired Osimbo's return to rugby after breaking both legs

The 2023/24 Kenya Cup season will forever remain in Matthias Osimbo’s mind, not for the right reasons, but for all the wrong ones.

The Kabras RFC utility back’s impressive run was abruptly cut short in February 2024 after matchday eight against Kenya Harlequin, which was the club’s 150th match.

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It was then that Osimbo broke his left leg. That injury saw him watch from the sidelines as Kabras clinched the Kenya Cup title. He was out for seven months before receiving a call-up to the Kenya Simbas.

No sooner had he turned up for the Simbas than the worst happened; he broke his right leg. It was that moment that Osimbo decided to step aside from the sport he once loved.

He has been on the sidelines, cheering and supporting his team, until recently, when his younger brother, Hillary Salano, who also plays for Kabras, inspired him to return to the pitch.

©Tabby Nashipae

Osimbo then travelled with the team for the Christie and Embu 7s.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport during the Embu 7s held over the weekend, Osimbo recalled a dark period characterized by pain and trauma.

“I am happy to be back; at the same time, I am not sure. I am 50/50 because this is my first circuit. I broke my left leg in February 2024 during training, and I spent like seven months out before getting a Kenya Simbas call-up. I went to the camp, and my right leg broke,” he explained.

Even though Osimbo had fully recovered and the doctors said he was fit to play, he feared the same thing might happen, and that fear held him back.

©Tabby Nashipae

“It has been tough and stressful. The hardest part was that I was even afraid of getting back to rugby. I had broken all my legs. It was depressing,” he admitted.

Despite the fear holding him back, watching his brothers play rugby with joy slowly inspired him to make a comeback.

His brother Salano, has turned up for Kabras for all the legs of the 2025 National 7s Circuit.

“My comeback was inspired by my younger brother Salano, who also plays for Kabras, and I also have younger brothers playing rugby. They are the ones who fuelled my determination,” he offered.

He went on to thank his support system, who showed him love during the tough season.

“My family has been very supportive throughout, and the teammates as well,” he said.

Now back in action, Osimbo hopes to fulfill the goals that injuries once interrupted. Before the injury, he consistently appeared in the starting lineup for eight matches. That explains why he earned a Kenya Simbas call-up.

“Now I am back, and hopefully I will do my part and return to where I was before the injury. There is that fear, I am afraid of being tackled where I was injured, but I am glad to be back,” he disclosed.

The Sugarmen currently sit fifth on the log with 47 points from the four legs played.

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