Humphrey Kayange's advice to young players after featuring in Legends match
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 30.09.24. | 21:25
This advice carries significant weight, coming from a legend who has enjoyed a highly successful rugby career
Rugby legend Humphrey Kayange has called on young players to savor their time on the pitch and cherish their time as active players before age inevitably slows them down.
He urged them to enjoy the game and fully embrace their opportunities as the physical demands of the sport eventually catch up.
Speaking after the Kenya Legends vs Uganda Legends match played on Saturday 28 September at the RFUEA Grounds, Kayange noted that time quickly flies and players should make the most of their prime.
“To the young players, keep playing and enjoy your time as youngsters because soon, in a few years, you'll get old," he offered.
This advice carries significant weight, coming from a legend who has enjoyed a highly successful rugby career.
Kayange finished his career in the World Series as Kenya’s third-highest point scorer with 799 points and 159 tries.
His accolades are extensive, including captaining Kenya to their maiden cup final during the 2009 IRB World 7s Circuit leg of Adelaide and leading the team to the historic semifinals of the Rugby World Cup 7s the same year.
In 2012, he was honored with the Order of the Golden Warrior (OGW) by President Mwai Kibaki.
In 2021, he made history as the first Kenyan to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
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A veteran of 12 HSBC World Rugby 7s series (2004–2016), he officially retired in 2016 after leading Kenya to the Rio Olympics.
Currently, he serves as the director of the Kenya 7s squad.
He admitted that the match evoked a strong sense of nostalgia but noted that his body could no longer handle the intense matches he once thrived in.
"I am nostalgic, but my body begs to differ. Nowadays I play only once a year, but we've been training. Seeing the crowds turn up takes me back to those good old days," he remarked.
The match, although affected by rain, still provided an opportunity for Kayange to reconnect with his fellow rugby legends. It was about brotherhood, fun, and the chance to socialize.
"It was a good match, though the rain made it hard to score many tries," he noted.
Brimming with nostalgia, this occasion brought together a collection of legendary rugby players who have long hung their boots, with some embracing managerial roles in esteemed clubs.
The match also revived the glory days of some of the greatest legends in the history of Kenya rugby.
Kenya Legends retained the Legends Cup with a 50-30 aggregate victory after defeating Uganda 24-15 in the match.
This marked the second consecutive year that Kenya Legends claimed the title, following their 69-18 aggregate win over Uganda in 2023.
The triumph extended Kenya’s winning streak to four straight victories over Uganda.
