George Ooro has been named the stand-in co-captain for Kenya’s Sevens rugby team as they prepare for the opening two legs of the 2024/2025 HSBC World Sevens Series. This role comes as regular co-captains Tony Omondi and Vincent Onyala are unavailable, having yet to finalize their contracts. Ooro, 24, is no stranger to leadership and has steadily built his reputation as one of the most experienced and reliable players in the squad.
Ooro’s appointment as co-captain alongside Samuel Asati represents a major milestone in his rugby career, particularly as it coincides with the two-year anniversary of his debut under former coach Damian McGrath. His journey to this leadership role has been one of resilience and perseverance. From facing early setbacks, including being told he was “too small” to play at a professional level, Ooro has defied the odds to become a key figure in the Kenya Sevens team. His rise has been marked by determination, contributing significantly to Kenya’s return to core-team status after their relegation, and playing a pivotal role in the team’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Reflecting on his selection as stand-in co-captain, Ooro expressed gratitude and underscored the significance of his role in leading the team through the opening legs of the World Series. “It is a privilege to lead this team out for the Dubai and Cape Town legs,” he said, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with wearing the captain’s armband. He also took the opportunity to call on his teammates to rise to the challenge and step up their game as they embark on the new season.
Ooro’s leadership philosophy is centered around personal accountability and team unity. In a media briefing, he conveyed a message of motivation and encouragement to his fellow players. “I usually tell my boys that there is no one who can come in to help you guys. It is upon you to be mature enough and take that task you have been given to represent the nation,” he said. His words reflect his belief in self-reliance and the importance of each player embracing their individual responsibility for the success of the team.
As the Kenya Sevens team prepares for the first two tournaments in Hong Kong and Cape Town, they are aware of the tough competition ahead, including formidable teams like France, South Africa, and Australia. Ooro has emphasized the need for focus and patience, stressing that the team must approach each game step by step. “Going into Dubai and Cape Town, just trust us and you will see what is happening. It is one game at a time, so the first game will be France, and once we are done with that, the management will give us more KPIs on how to handle South Africa and then Australia,” he explained. This approach reflects the team’s strategy of taking each match as it comes, focusing on the immediate challenge before turning attention to the next.
The Kenya Sevens team has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, which has been a testament to their grit and determination. Their promotion back to core-team status and their triumph at the 2024 Safari Sevens highlighted the progress they have made. This new chapter, with Ooro in a leadership role, promises further growth and success for the team. The challenge ahead, with tough opposition in the HSBC World Series, will test the team’s resolve, but Ooro’s leadership provides a sense of stability and direction.
Kenya’s Sevens rugby fans will be watching closely as the team sets out on its World Series campaign. The combination of Ooro’s leadership, the squad’s newfound strength, and the experience gained from their previous successes offers hope that Kenya can continue to perform at a high level. While the absence of key players like Omondi and Onyala is a setback, Ooro’s leadership and the team’s collective spirit will be crucial as they aim to start the season with a strong performance in Hong Kong and Cape Town.
Ooro’s story is one of perseverance and belief, and as the team heads into the upcoming tournaments, his message to the players is clear: it is time to rise to the occasion and take ownership of their destiny. With the backing of their captain and the faith of their supporters, the Kenya Sevens team has the potential to shine on the world stage.
