Under the dazzling May skies, Conellias Mokoro’s rugby journey took a surprising twist, capturing the attention of the sports world.
The dreadlocked number nine, known for his agility and swift decision-making on the field, made headlines when he announced his departure from the Kenyan Harlequins.
Mokoro, a rising star in Kenyan rugby, had secured a spot with the prestigious Romanian club, CSA Steaua, becoming the fourth player from the Quins to make such a move.
His rise through the ranks of Kenyan rugby had been nothing short of meteoric. Starting with the Kenya U20 national team, Chipu, Mokoro quickly advanced to the Morans and eventually earned his place with the national Sevens team, Shujaa.
His performances at the All African Sevenss Games in Ghana showcased his immense talent and further solidified his reputation as one of Kenya’s brightest rugby prospects.
Embracing New Challenges
The move to Romania marked a significant shift in Mokoro’s life and career. Adapting to a completely new environment, both culturally and athletically, presented its own set of challenges.
Reflecting on his early days in Romania, Mokoro admitted that it wasn’t easy to adjust. Everything felt different, from the style of play on the field to everyday life off it.
The language barrier, in particular, made communication a struggle initially. Yet, Mokoro has begun to settle in, gradually getting the hang of both the language and the lifestyle.
“The experience has been positive so far,” Mokoro shared, reflecting on his journey.
“At first, it was difficult to find my rhythm, but now I’m feeling more at home both in rugby and in everyday life. Communicating was a bit of a hurdle due to the language difference, but I’m improving and can now interact better with everyone around me.”
Support from His New Team
Mokoro credits the warm and welcoming nature of his new teammates and coaches for helping him navigate this transition. Their support has been instrumental in making him feel comfortable and integrated within the team.
He described how they’ve not only offered guidance on the pitch but have also taken the time to connect outside of training, often sharing coffee and conversations about everything from the day’s practice to life in general.
“My teammates and coaches have been incredibly supportive,” Mokoro noted.
“They are always ready to help, whether it’s related to rugby or something else. Spending time together outside of training, like going for coffee, has really helped me feel like part of the team. It’s these little moments that make a big difference.”
A New Training Regimen
One of the significant adjustments Mokoro has had to make is adapting to the Romanian training schedule, which is more structured and intensive than what he was used to in Kenya.
In Romania, training is divided into shorter, more frequent sessions throughout the day, unlike the evening sessions that are the norm back home.
“Training here is different,” Mokoro explained. “The sessions are more structured with specific shifts. We have multiple short sessions instead of one long evening practice. It’s something I’m getting used to, and it’s definitely helping me improve my game.”
Aiming for Excellence
The heightened level of competition in Romania has also pushed Mokoro to refine his skills continuously. He is committed to improving all aspects of his game, recognizing that there is always something new to learn in rugby.
His ambition is not only to establish himself as a key player in the Romanian league but also to inspire and create opportunities for other Kenyan players to make a similar leap.
“My focus is on enhancing my overall skills and understanding of the game,” Mokoro said. “Every day is a chance to learn something new. My ultimate goal is to make a name for myself here and hopefully pave the way for others to follow.”
While Mokoro has set his sights on future successes, he remains deeply connected to his roots. Regular phone and video calls back home allow him to stay in touch with his family and friends, maintaining a sense of closeness despite the distance.
Playing in Romania marks the pinnacle of Mokoro’s career so far, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He sees this opportunity as a stepping stone to greater achievements, as he continues to embrace new experiences and learn from the diverse culture and high-level competition around him.
“I’ve had the chance to explore places I never imagined visiting, meet new people, and even learn a new language and culture,” Mokoro reflected.
“My dream is to make a mark in this rugby league and help open doors for other Kenyan players who aspire to play on the international stage.”
As Mokoro continues his journey with CSA Steaua, he joins fellow Kenyans Ian Njenga, Geoffrey Okwach, and Malcolm Onsando in making their mark on Romanian rugby, bringing a touch of Kenyan flair to the European scene.
