Kenyans mourn rugby player Tony Onyango

Tony Onyango (with ball) of Kenya Simba's scores a try against Mathew Mcivab of Zimbabwe during their Africa Gold Cup rugby match at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi on June 30, 2018. Simba won 45-36. Photo[Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Kenya Rugby Union officials, rugby clubs, teammates and fans continue to come to terms with the sudden demise of Kenya Commercial Bank rugby player Tony Onyango.

Onyango reportedly collapsed on Tuesday night, March 3 at his home in Ngong, Kajiado County after returning from training.

His team manager Philip Wamae confirmed the passing on of the player amid tears. “Not such a good morning here… unfortunate loss. The family has just confirmed the sad incident,” said Wamae.

The player was said to be in good health and even attended training in the evening with his current club KCB ahead of the Kenya Cup playoffs set for this weekend.

His body was taken to Umash Funeral Home.

The club led the rugby fraternity in mourning the loss of the tough-tackling fullback.

"It is with seismic disturbance that we announce the sudden death of our KCB Rugby player Tony Onyango Opondo. This happened at his home in Ngong on the 3rd of March 2020. We will update on further details. We ask for your prayers during this trying time," read the club statement.

Onyango got his maiden Kenya Simba to call up by coach Michael Tank in April 2012. He featured for Kenya U19s in 2010 and played for Kenya Sevens Rugby under Paul Treu in 2015.

The Maseno school alumnus was also part of the East African Elgon Warriors that played against England Counties in Kampala and Nairobi in 2012.

Onyango won the National Sevens Circuit with his former club Homeboyz in 2016 and Kenya Cup title with his current club KCB and was part of the golden Strathmore Leos squad that reached the Kenya Cup final in 2013.

KCB Tony Onyango (left) and Stormy Odhiambo of Blak Blad of Kenyatta University during Kenya Cup match at KCB grounds Ruaraka on Saturday, Jan 11, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Former teammates and fans continue pouring their condolences messages and express disbelief on his demise.

Here are some of the Tweets:

(@KenyaSimbas) 

A lion rests.

Thank you for tirelessly giving yourself to this sport we all love Tony Onyango.

Our heartfelt condolences to your wife Maria and son Shane together with the whole family.
May your Soul Rest in eternal peace.

  (@GMONEYizME

Words aren’t enough to say how solid a human being Tony was. Every conversation, every meeting was real. Man had big plans and an even bigger heart. Almost every conversation we had was about improving life for your son and wife. This one is truly unfair. Walk with Angels my G. 

KOBs Rugby Club UG (@KobsrugbyUg) 

We join our brothers across the border, @OfficialKRU & @kcbrugby in mourning the sudden passing of Tony Onyango Opondo.
Tony was a regular in past Elgon Cup battles between our two nations and we are saddened by the passing of such a young talent.
@Meanmachinerfc1

It’s a sad morning waking up to news of the sudden demise of @kcbrugby and @KenyaSimbas player Tony Onyango.
Our sincere condolences to his family, friends and the entire KCB rugby fraternity. 

@HomeboyzRugby

A great servant of the game, a great leader on and off the field and an equally talented player, Tony Onyango, will truly be missed. We pray that God strengthens and comforts his family, friends and the rugby fraternity through this trying time. #RIPTonyOnyango