Monate Akuei, a former refugee from South Sudan who schooled at Kirobon High School in Kenya has been signed by the Old Blue Rugby team in the US.
Akuei played for Kirobon and furthered his passion in rugby by playing for Shujaa, Simba and Kenya Sevens for three years in the national 15’s team.
In 2015, he sat for his KCSE and later joined Nakuru RFC for the Kenya Cup.
Old Blue Rugby while making the announcement in his signing on Tuesday said that “Old Blue Rugby are excited to announce the signing of Kenyan International Monate Akuei. Monate, who plays in the back row, is 23 years old and has played for Kenya 15s and 7s.”
Barnabas Kitilit, former Kirobon High School Principal said that he was thrilled by Akuei when he first admitted him in Form three.
Initially, he thought Akuei was a basketball player given his height but was amused to learn that he was a staunch rugby player.
“When I admitted him at the school in Form 3, I knew he was a basketballer because of his height but surprised me by venturing into rugby before falling in love with the sport,” said Kitilit.
Kitilit told the Star that he is happy his former student is making it big in life out of a talent that he honed back in Kirobon.
“I am happy his talent has finally paid off.”
Akuei fell in love with rugby at the Nakuru Athletics Club where he frequented. He would replicate this in high school and after that.