Oscar Okaron tips Driftwood 7s MVP to greatness after aiding switch from football to rugby
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 09.08.25. | 17:48
Okaron, a well-known tactician with a proven track record of nurturing young talent, first spotted Mwangemi’s potential in 2022
When Nashon Mwangemi was crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2025 Driftwood 7s a fortnight ago, the recognition came as a surprise to many in the rugby fraternity.
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But for seasoned coach Oscar Okaron, it was simply the confirmation of a journey he had witnessed from the very beginning.
Okaron, a well-known tactician with a proven track record of nurturing young talent, first spotted Mwangemi’s potential in 2022.
At the time, Mwangemi was a footballer at Otieno Oyoo Secondary School. It took just one rugby training session under Okaron’s watch to identify something special in the teenager.
That same year, Mwangemi made the bold switch from football to rugby, a decision that has since paid off in dramatic fashion.
Fast forward to 2025, and Mwangemi has already broken into club rugby. He represented Mombasa RFC during the Driftwood 7s and was named MVP.
During his high school days, the exciting teenager captained Otieno Oyoo to their first-ever national championship appearance, showcasing not only his skill but also his leadership and adaptability.
Mwangemi is a versatile player who can slot in at scrum-half, fly-half, or fullback, making him a dynamic asset in both the 7s and 15s formats.
“His individual brilliance, perfect ball handling, defensive coordination, and speed on the ball were clear from the first day.
Even when injured, he would step in and help lead training. That discipline and commitment have shaped him into who he is,” Okaron told Mozzart Sport.
The former Kisumu RFC tactician likens Mwangemi’s raw talent and work ethic to players he has previously mentored, including Kabras RFC fullback Jackson Siketi and Emmanuel Opondo.
He was also grateful to Otieno Oyoo, Principal Boaz Adit, for his continuous efforts in nurturing talents.
“We’ve mentored many players of his calibre. Nashon only needs more consistency, hard work, resilience, and determination. Watch this space,” he added.
The veteran coach knows what it takes to shape a star.
He helped Koyonzo High School rise from obscurity to win back-to-back national 7s titles in 2022 and 2023, before crowning their dominance with the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association Games (FEASSSA) Rugby 7s title in Rwanda.
He has also delivered success at Kakamega High School, where he led the team to 7s and 15s national titles in 2012 and 2013, and played crucial roles at Kisumu RFC, Administration Police, and Busia Borderucks.
His recent stint at Homeboyz RFC saw the club punch above its weight in the Kenya Cup before struggling and eventually being relegated to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship after his departure.
Now based at Otieno Oyoo, Okaron is fully invested in developing the next generation and believes Mwangemi could be the face of it.
“Nashon is determined, resilient, and an enthusiastic man towards his goals. We've seen him through the championships as he led the team into nationals for the 1st time in the history of Otieno Oyoo,” he said.
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