Kenya 7s' John Okoth pinpoints areas of improvement after Olympics run
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 09.08.24. | 11:10
Okoth is among the few Kenya rugby players who have played for the U20 side; Chipu, the 15's side Simbas, and Shujaa
Kenya 7s national team, Shujaa's, star player, John Okoth, has highlighted key areas where the team needs to enhance its performance following their participation at the Paris Olympics.
Despite a valiant effort, Shujaa finished the tournament in ninth place, leaving them determined to make significant strides for future competitions.
Mozzart Sport caught up with the youngster who noted that while they gave it their all, there were areas they needed to improve. He admitted that the level of competition at the Olympics was exceptionally high.
The Nakuru RFC player scored the two crucial tries against Samoa in the ninth-place final to see Kenya bag a second win. The match ended 10-5.
“When you play against big teams, it teaches you that there is no room for errors. Teams are fast and capitalize on any mistakes you make. We have to improve on our kickoffs and minimize handling errors. Our game awareness also needs improvement. Olympics is the highest stage that attracts the crème de la crème of the world. It is a privilege to compete but requires a strong mindset,” he started.
It is impossible not to identify Okoth while on the pitch. Any try he scores is followed by his electric moves which entertain the audience. His standout memory was meeting Jamaica’s sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the Olympic Village.
“I was star-struck,” he exclaimed. “It was an incredible lifetime experience. I can say it is addictive. Any player would want to do it again and again. I cannot stop reliving the moments."
On the team’s preparation heading to the Olympics, Okoth noted that it was top-notch. They were also coming off an impressive HSBC Challenger Series where they returned Kenya to the World Rugby 7s Series. He noted that the international experience came in handy.
“We had the best preparation both mentally and physically. However, in future, if we gel more, and play for a long time as a team, it will allow us to understand each other well and play at our best,” he offered.
He further acknowledged that the team could have performed better but also offered perspective on the team's inexperience. The majority of the squad were debutants and on a steep learning curve.
He was, however, confident that the exposure gained from competing at the highest level would undoubtedly be invaluable as the team builds towards future competitions.
Okoth is among the few Kenya rugby players who have played for the U20 side; Chipu, the 15's side Simbas, and is now a player for Shujaa.
He is the kind of player that can turn a game on its head.
In 2019, only months after sitting his national exams at Nakuru Day High School, Okoth was already the vice-captain of Nakuru RFC’s second-string side for the 2018/2019 Eric Shirley Shield season, made it to the Chipu squad and to cap it all off, he made his Kenya Simbas bow in the Elgon Cup against Uganda in Kisumu.
His midfield prowess and ability to make the best out of his partners was too much to miss out on for any coach. He was dropped from the Chipu squad that won the Barthes Cup at KCB Ruaraka grounds in 2019 but he made it to the squad that went to Brazil for the Junior World Trophy.
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In Brazil, Okoth donned the number 12 jersey and went on to start every single game for the Paul Odera-coached outfit.
The Kenya Simbas number 12 jersey has been won by very iconic and prolific names in the game over the years, the likes of Kelvin “Kichwa” Omiyo, Nick Barasa, Leo Seje, and Darwin Mukidza.
