From Nyabondo to Strathmore: How rugby propelled Victor Odhiambo to stardom

RUGBY From Nyabondo to Strathmore: How rugby propelled Victor Odhiambo to stardom

Abigael Wafula 13:07 - 12.08.2023

The youngster has been tipped for greatness by Strathmore Leos coach but he had to work his way to the top having come from a humble background

It is always said that everyone who is successful in their career and in life has a back story and that is also true for Strathmore Leos winger Victor Odhiambo, the latest kid on the block, making headlines in the field of rugby.

The youngster has been singled out by Strathmore Leos head coach Louis Kisia as a player with tons of talent and the tactician noted that he is destined for greatness. However, Odhiambo did not just become a ‘star’ overnight.

Odhiambo hails from Kisumu and studied at Nyabondo High School in the same county. He used to play for Winam Knights, a rugby club in Kisumu, and that is how Kisia spotted him.

I was introduced to Odhiambo by the Winam Knights coach during the 2022 Dala Sevens. At the time, he had just completed his high school and was looking for a university to join," Kisia told Pulse Sports.

"I watched a couple of his games and I liked what I saw and I wanted to nurture his talent."

Odhiambo used to live with his grandfather, who was at first reluctant about him joining Strathmore University.

He had been called to Kenyatta University and that is where he initially went to study but he used to train with Strathmore Leos since he had a friend at the university who was also playing rugby.

He was very good friends with George Ooro and he used to train with us since he loved our training techniques. He also used to play for us in a couple of Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup games. I wanted him to get to learn and understand the game better," his coach further said.

At the end of last year, Kisia had slots for scholarships and he asked Odhiambo if he was interested. He agreed to it and went for an interview which he passed. In December, his grandfather allowed him to join Strathmore University.

After joining Strathmore Leos this year, Odhiambo has played in the Barthes Trophy and was part of the squad that was in action during the World Under-20 Rugby Trophy. He also played for Strathmore Leos at the Dala Sevens and Driftwood Sevens.