I want Olympic gold —Erick Ogweno

Kenya Sevens Academy Team Manager Erick Ogweno [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Maranda High School, an academic giant, is basking in a different kind of glory. This week, two of its old boys took up key national positions in newly sworn in Chief Justice David Maraga and Kenya Sevens team manager, Erick Ogweno.

But how did a school that does not play rugby produce the country’s national rugby sevens’ TM? JOHN LAWRENCE spoke to Ogweno.

Why did you apply to be TM for Kenya Sevens?

I applied for the TM position because I believe that is where my experience would add real value to the Kenya Sevens (K7s) set-up. I will bring in some level of continuity as I was previously manager of the K7s academy side that feeds the senior team.

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I first interacted with the sport in high school, although Maranda didn’t officially have rugby team at the time. I never really played competitively, then but grasped the sports in theory. I started to play with Kenyatta University’s (KU) Blak Blad. I won the universities and nationwide leagues, both as a player and club chairman. When we earned a promotion to Kenya Cup, I was approached by the KU games department to stay with the team to ensure smooth transition into Kenya Cup. That’s how I ended up assisting with administration and coaching duties with the team until my appointment to K7s in 2015 as an assistant TM and now as the TM. I also managed the first university franchise to win the Bamburi Super Series in 2014.

There are those who say that you are still too young and inexperienced for this job. Are you punching above your weight?

The ‘he is inexperienced’ story is unfounded because I have been in the scene for an entire season, albeit as an assistant TM. I have also dealt with a good number of the K7s players at one point or the other in their diverse playing careers. The interviewing panel must have seen something in me besides my age. I am looking forward to continue my growth into the role.

What drives you?

I’m driven by the pursuit for progress as opposed to perfection. Seeing players progressing through the ranks, continuously improve on their skill levels and game maturity as they move towards achieving their full potential is what I am looking for

Who inspired you?

I drew inspiration from the current Kenya Fifteen’s team manager Wangila Simiyu and Newton Ongalo whom I worked under as an assistant TM.

Where would you want to see Kenya Sevens under your leadership?

My dream is to win gold in Japan during the 2020 Olympics.