NAIROBI, Kenya, August 17 – Catholic University Monks RFC captain Victor Omupere has explained why the team carries a crucifix every time they enter the pitch for their matches.
Omupere said most of the players profess the Christian faith and hence find solace and strength in the crucifix.
“The significance is huge because first of all we are believers. The crucifix gives us the strength we need…more like a tunnel vision. Once we step on the pitch, we believe that God has gone before us so the way we are playing is to honour God. It is Him who has provided us with the skills and strength to play this sport. Therefore, God comes first and rugby comes second,” Omupere said.
The skipper further explained that the crucifix is symbolic for the team’s service to the community through rugby.
“Traditionally for us as a Catholic institution, we are all about service to the community. This (playing rugby) is like our service to the rugby community. We are also representing the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) and by extension, the larger Catholic community,” he said.
The Monks have experienced mixed fortunes thus far in the National Sevens Circuit (NSC), oscillating between the 13th place final and the Challenge Cup at the four legs of the circuit.
They began their campaign with a Challenge Cup semi-final berth at the Dala Sevens in Kisumu before clinching the Challenge Cup trophy at the Driftwood Sevens in Mombasa.
At the Prinsloo Sevens, the Monks fell at the semi-final stage of the Challenge Cup, losing 26-10 to Masinde Muliro before losing 21-12 to Homeboyz RFC in the final of the Challenge Cup at the Christie Sevens.
Reflecting on their progress thus far, Omupere believes competition has become stiffer as the Circuit nears the horizon.
“Competition has been very vibrant. Even teams that I’d expected to struggle this season have given their all. Many teams have stepped up…new players have emerged and most teams are very vibrant,” he observed.
Omupere added: “The big clubs are trying to cement their position so that other teams cannot compete with them but we have seen these university sides also coming up. Once you are in the fight, you don’t give up…you fight till the end.”
With the Circuit taking a two-week break, Omupere says the team will use the rest period to work on the mistakes that have cost them so far.
“It’s an opportunity for us to get some rest for the two weeks we will be out of action. As Monks, there are a few things that have not gone our way in the previous legs of the circuit. We will go back to the drawing board and employ some new tactics. We want to make it to that playoff position…be it the quarterfinal or even the semis.”
They currently lie 12th on the NSC log with 19 points, ahead of the two remaining legs at the Tisap Sevens and Kabeberi Sevens in Eldoret and Nairobi respectively.
