Shujaa sensation Patrick Odongo explains intentional decision to play championship rugby for Daystar this season

Shujaa sensation Patrick Odongo has explained why he has intentionally opted to stay put with Daystar Falcons since rising to prominence for the side earlier this season.

Odongo was a breakthrough star during the National Sevens Circuit in 2022, which earned him a maiden call up to the Kenya Sevens set up for their Olympic qualifying campaign in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Since then, he has gone from strength to strength and was instrumental in getting them to win the first HSBC Challenger series Dubai leg in January, scoring 11 tries.

He was unable to make the trip to Montevideo, Uruguay after sustaining a cheekbone injury that ruled him out for six weeks.

Now, Odongo, who has been equally impressive for Daystar Falcons who have finished the regular KRU Championship season top, qualifying for the semi-finals in the process in their quest to be promoted to the Kenya Cup, has explained why he has opted to stay put in the Championship despite numerous offers to move to big Kenya Cup clubs.

“Haha! It has taken me by surprise because everyone I meet is telling me that my level is much higher than the championship,” Odongo told Pulse Sports.

“I am in the championship by choice because I have decided that I want to finish studying first.”

Odongo is determined to earn his degree in Community Development, with the plan being to eventually earn employment once he is done with his studies as he is aware that rugby is not a sustainable income source in Kenya.

“I do not have that pressure of wanting to play in the Kenya Cup. Yes I can play it and there are many clubs looking for me but education comes first.

“Rugby will come to an end. At the moment, I am nursing an injury and cannot play. I have to focus on my books.

“Everyone is looking for work and you will not get employed through rugby. This is a platform but I still need my papers.”

Odongo believes that his injury is a blessing in disguise at the moment, as it is allowing him to catch up on his studies.

“Before, I was on the pitch 24/7 which means I did not have time for classes. Now, I have free time to make up for it and finish because I need my certificate at the end of the day.”

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