Obae reflects on overcoming injury to winning Rugby Super Series player of the tournament gong

Nakuru RFC backrower Amos Obae is still enjoying the sweet of success after being named the Rugby Super Series player of the tournament.

The Series ended on May 25 after making a triumphant return following a decade-long hiatus. Menengai Cream Cheetahs who were under the guidance of former Kenya Simbas international Lawi Buyachi were crowned the champions.

This post-season tournament not only rejuvenated interest in the sport, but served as a platform for emerging talents, who were often overshadowed during the regular Kenya Cup season dominated by powerhouses Kabras Sugar and KCB.

Among these rising stars was Obae. The impact player was instrumental in propelling Cheetahs to the crucial win.

According to data by Tisini, out of the matches he played, Obae made 35 tackles, 29 carries, won three turnovers, and scored two tries. The impressive performance earned him 92 impact points.

Now that the dust has settled on the 15s season, Mozzart Sport caught up with the player who noted that his dream was slowly coming to pass.

Obae suffered a major injury back in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown when he broke his tibia bone. He underwent surgery and was sidelined for nine months before getting back to action during the 2021 Safari 7s when he played for the Wailers.

Luck was however not on his side as his injury worsened after a fracture. That saw him undergo a second surgery, which took him a year and three months to recover.

He turned up for Nakuru RFC in some matches of the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season.

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When the Series started, Obae came back to action feeling like a tiger freed from a cage.

“It is incredible. Coming from a career ending injury, I have seen the hand of God. After the call up for the franchise I had to compete against the best in training to be in the starting line that helped me throughout the tournament by doing my roles right,” he told Mozzart Sport.

His remarkable performance saw Coach Buyachi name him the team’s captain for matchday three. Unfortunately, that was the day the Cheetahs lost 27-23 to Faiba Mobile Rhinos in Kakamega. That was his lowest point.

“When we lost, it hit me hard. We headed to the finals and I was named the captain again but this time we headed into the game with the right mindset,” he disclosed.

He observed that if the team trains together for a long time, fans can expect wonders.

With the triumph now behind him, Obae hopes to build up on that performance as the 2024 National 7s Circuit looms.

He urged his fellow players not to give up quoting the scripture, “When the time is right, the Lord will make it happen.”

The Super Series showed that with the right platform, hidden talents can rise and make a significant impact, giving the rugby fraternity a reason to be optimistic about the future. The performance of stars like Obae provide a glimmer of hope that the sport will continue to grow and diversify.