Zetech Oaks leads the way by marking Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

When most people picture male athletes, they see the victories, the tries, and the adrenaline-filled moments that light up the scoreboard.

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What often gets missed are the silent battles happening away from the pitch: struggles with anxiety, pressure, self-doubt, and emotional exhaustion, among others.

For male rugby players, especially, vulnerability is rarely given room to breathe since rugby is a sport that champions physical toughness.

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But this June, as the world marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, Zetech University Rugby team, Oaks, are changing the script.

On Saturday, 21 June, the team hosted a Men’s Mental Health Day, an eye-opening and emotional session where players, coaches, and team leaders came together to speak honestly about what mental wellness means in the world of sport.

The event, held at the Mang’u campus, saw players share personal challenges ranging from academic pressure and relationship stress to homesickness and financial worries, as teammates listened, related, and offered support.

Speaking after the heavy session, the team’s chairman, Wycliffe Serengo, noted that the event is a part of the long-term vision. He promised monthly training sessions planned around emotional well-being, dangers of drug and substance abuse, and doping.

“A healthy team is one where players are free to smile, speak their minds, and feel supported. Life is not always smooth, and while we may not solve every issue, especially personal ones like relationships, we offer guidance where we can.

We often assume players are okay, but many are struggling silently. Even if we’ve only addressed 43 per cent, it’s a start, and we’ll keep building on it.

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We’ve already begun working on a monthly training program with our legal officer to tackle drug abuse, doping, and mental health, a step in the right direction,” Serengo said.

His words reflected a broader truth. Many athletes struggle in silence. Research by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reveals that 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression, but less than half ever seek help.

On his side, Zetech Oaks’ Team Manager Nicholas Mutwiri emphasised how today’s fast-paced world is feeding this crisis.

“This generation is being bombarded by so much from the outside world. It’s affecting young men in ways we can no longer ignore. Rugby players are seen as strong, but that strength must also include being able to admit when you’re not okay,” he said.

For the team’s coach, Ramsfield Matekwa, the Mental Health Day was a turning point in how he views his role. He now understands that he is not just a coach but a mentor.

“This has changed how I’ll coach going forward. They now feel they can ask questions and approach me when they feel overwhelmed. I do random checkups and visit where they live, just to know how they are doing,” Matekwa said.

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“I have learned to be bold and open up no matter the situation. Communication is key. In life, identify people you can grow with.

You’d rather have a few friends who will hold you down than many who abandon you. Rugby plays a big role; it helps you connect and express yourself,” said team captain Johnson Wafula.

The Oaks’ efforts mirror a global shift sparked in part by athletes like Jarren Duran, the Red Sox outfielder who shared his struggles in a 2025 Netflix documentary.

His openness encouraged others to step forward and proved that emotional honesty only humanises male athletes.