Kenya Lionesses' strength and conditioning coach on how his role saves clubs thousands of shillings
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 02.10.25. | 16:04
While some see it as an extra cost, he argues that strength and conditioning actually saves clubs huge amounts of money in the long run
Kenya Lionesses’ strength and conditioning (S&C) coach, Jeff ‘Onyi’ Onyango, has opened up on the often-overlooked role he plays in protecting players and easing the financial burden on rugby clubs.
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Onyango explained that a proper S&C program extends beyond weightlifting. It is about preparing players’ bodies for the demands of rugby while reducing the risk of injuries.
“There are still misconceptions about strength and conditioning. S&C is not just about lifting weights; it’s about movement and sports needs analysis.
It focuses on biomotor abilities: strength, power, speed, endurance, and coordination. These are all trainable. Most importantly, S&C is about injury prevention,” he told Mozzart Sport.
In rugby, a strength and conditioning coach ensures players can handle the physical and mental demands of the game.
Their work encompasses improving fitness levels, building explosive power, enhancing speed and endurance, and maintaining players' agility.
More importantly, they create training programs tailored to each player to help them avoid injuries and recover faster.
In professional environments, such as in South Africa or Europe, almost every team has a full-time S&C coach.
But in Kenya, where many clubs struggle to pay players their allowances, hiring one is often seen as a luxury.
That is why Onyango believes his role is misunderstood. While some see it as an extra cost, he argues it actually saves clubs huge amounts of money in the long run.
For many Kenyan clubs, the cost of injuries can be crippling. With finances already stretched, covering medical bills is often impossible. Onyango stressed that his role directly saves teams thousands of shillings.
“Working with clubs and showing them the value of S&C is key. Yes, misconceptions still exist, but we are bridging that gap.
Many clubs struggle financially, and we cannot allow them to be weighed down by the costs of injuries. For example, a lower-limb surgery can cost anywhere between Ksh 300,000 and 400,000.
That’s simply unaffordable for most clubs. Strength and conditioning minimises such risks, saving clubs money while protecting athletes,” he offered.
While rugby in Kenya has grown, women’s rugby still fights for recognition compared to other parts of the continent.
Onyango believes strength and conditioning is even more important for women players, who often face additional physical demands and have less access to proper medical care.
S&C ensures that female players are not only fit to compete but also less prone to career-threatening injuries.
Although some clubs have embraced the importance of S&C, Onyango admitted the conversation is still ongoing.
“They have accepted it, though in some cases we are forcing the conversation. At the end of the day, it’s about reducing costs and improving performance,” he said.
