Tell us about your journey that led you to become the coach of the Kenyan teamIJ
I used to be a rugby player for Kenya. My coach asked me to watch videos of New Zealand players who play in my position.
I started watching these videos and one day somebody left a kabaddi video on. When I saw it, I found it interesting. I downloaded videos of many kabaddi games on CD and showed these videos to others. They laughed at me and said, "You must be crazy. You were sent to watch rugby, instead you are watching this game!" That's how I got introduced to this game.
I knew people who are very good but are not given enough chances. I started calling them and asking whether they would like to play this game. lot of people showed interest in playing kabaddi. So, we created our federation and got it registered so that our players can come and play regularly.
You were a rugby player, so what are the similarities that you find between rugby and kabaddiIJ
The common aspect in both sports is tackling. In kabaddi also, if you go high, you miss. So you have to aim lower than the knee. There is a slight difference which is that in kabaddi, you have no space while in rugby, there is space to move. kabaddi is a faster game and a mental game as well. If you lose focus even for a millisecond, you lose your way.
In order to become a kabaddi coach, did you have to undergo any type of trainingIJ
No because I am a player myself and I am always interested in learning new things. I am a certified level 3 coach in both football and rugby. Whenever there is a requirement for a coach and I think that I can fulfil the responsibility, I offer my services and have taken up coaching assignments both in Kenya and abroad. So, teaching has been my thing and I pick up ideas quickly. Even when my own coach is away, he asks me to take over the responsibility to coach my own team.
So, what is the current state of kabaddi in KenyaIJ
In men's category, apart from the senior team we have four other sides; under-19, under-17, under-12 and under-10. Many of our senior players have taken to coaching as they have picked up the game like me and I know four of them who are coaching in East Africa.
The players who have taken up coaching are going to colleges and schools and teaching young kids as we are trying to prepare a side for the future that can hopefully represent us in the next World Cup.
What is the state of kabaddi at the grass-root levelIJ Are more and more kids taking up the sportIJ
We are doing well at the grass-root level as we are not setting up clubs but introducing the game in schools and colleges as setting up clubs is very expensive. These schools and colleges can play inter-school and inter-college leagues just as basketball leagues are played in the country. We are also trying to introduce the game in the military and they have asked me to start training young boys who are not in the military presently but those they hope to recruit in the future. The military would be sponsoring them.
As the coach of the Kenyan team, what are the goals that you have set for your sideIJ
Our goal is to remain the best African side. We have under-19, under-17, under-12 and under-10 teams that we want to groom for future.
At the moment, who is your biggest rival in AfricaIJ
We fear that when South Africa and Zimbabwe come in to the game in a big way, it's not going to be easy for us to hold on to our position as the best African side.
Do you think Kenyans are physiologically suited to play kabaddiIJ They are known for their excellence in long-distance running, so is kabaddi also a game where they can excelIJ
Yes. You can see how we have improved in rugby. Kabaddi suits us because we have the strength, the power and we are tall also. Once we gain more skills, match fitness and experience, we won't be lacking much. Once we have leagues taking place in the country, I don't think India would be beating us.
Many people are of the opinion that the Kenyan side is very capable but lack technical finesse. According to you, what are the areas where your side needs to improve most inIJ
We have to be more patient and also stop under-rating opponents. Also we have to bring greater control into our game like understanding who is supposed to raid, whom to attack and many other little things that we were lacking.