Kabras RFC’s young rugby sensation, Patrick Lumumba, is riding high on the momentum of his outstanding performances in the 2024 national sevens circuit. As one of the brightest talents in Kenyan rugby today, Lumumba’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the support of his family and coaches. Now, with a spot in the 36-man provisional squad for the prestigious Safari 7s, the future looks even brighter for this promising player.
The Kenya Rugby Union has named its squad for the upcoming Safari 7s tournament, and Patrick Lumumba is one of the names on everyone’s lips. Dubbed ‘Field Gun’ for his relentless energy and powerful runs on the field, Lumumba is looking forward to continuing his impressive rise in the rugby world. His journey has been filled with ups and downs, but the lessons he has learned along the way have shaped him into the player he is today.
A Standout Performance in the National Sevens Circuit
Patrick Lumumba’s rise to prominence was not without its challenges. He admits that his performance in the 2024 sevens circuit didn’t start off as well as he would have liked, but through perseverance and the guidance of his coach Edwin Achayo, he quickly turned things around.
“During the circuit, I started averagely, I can say 50 percent, but I focused on building up to Prinsloo where I could rate myself at 90%,” Lumumba shared. This steady improvement in his performance was not only a result of hard work but also of mental discipline.
One of the key lessons Lumumba learned during the circuit was the importance of patience. In rugby, particularly in the fast-paced game of sevens, patience is critical. “In a game of 7s, you have to be accurate. Practice patience before making any move on the pitch. Do not rush things because you want to achieve more,” he revealed.
This mindset shift allowed Lumumba to focus on his long-term goals, even when faced with setbacks, such as missing out on a place in the Kenya Shujaa or Simbas squads after the 2023 circuit.
“I was somehow disappointed and did not anticipate much in this tournament, but my friends encouraged me to keep going. Their belief in me kept me going,” Lumumba recalled.
Seizing the Opportunity at Christie 7s
Perhaps the highlight of Lumumba’s sevens circuit journey was the Christie 7s tournament. With several key players from Kabras RFC away on national duty, Lumumba stepped up to the plate. His standout performance came during the quarterfinal match against KCB, where Kabras won 12-7, securing a spot in the semifinals.
“I had a feeling that we would win, but I still had to do my best. It was my gauge,” he explained. This match was a turning point in Lumumba’s career, giving him the confidence to believe that he could achieve more.
Kabras RFC went on to win the Christie 7s tournament, and Lumumba’s role in that victory solidified his place as one of the team’s key players. Despite the absence of top talents like Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga, and Lameck Ambetsa, who were representing Kenya at the Olympics, Lumumba rose to the challenge and led his team to glory.
The Power of Family and Coaching Support
Throughout his journey, Lumumba credits his family and coach Edwin Achayo for keeping him motivated and grounded. “My family keeps me going, and my coach Achayo. He is there to guide me anytime,” Lumumba stated.
This strong support system has been instrumental in helping Lumumba navigate the ups and downs of his rugby career. His family’s encouragement and his coach’s guidance have played a crucial role in helping him stay focused on his goals, even when the odds were stacked against him.
When expectations were low, Lumumba found solace in his faith and in the belief that his hard work would eventually pay off. “I had to let go and let God,” he said, reflecting on the times when doubt crept in.
Looking Ahead: Safari 7s and Beyond
Now, with a spot in the Kenya Sevens provisional squad for the Safari 7s, Lumumba is more motivated than ever to continue improving his game. One of the areas he is keen to focus on is aerial ball handling, a skill that is crucial in sevens rugby.
“Every day is a learning day. Even when you feel you are okay, you need to improve. Every level requires a new level of skill. I will keep working,” Lumumba said.
He is optimistic that his hard work and persistence will see him make the final squad for Safari 7s and, eventually, fulfill his dream of representing Kenya Shujaa on the international stage.
Lumumba’s journey in rugby began at Koyonzo Boys before joining Kabras RFC in 2019. His debut for the team came in 2021 in a match against Blak Blad, marking the beginning of a promising career in rugby. Since then, Lumumba has continued to rise through the ranks, and his inclusion in the Safari 7s training squad is just the latest milestone in his journey.
