From football to rugby: Akengo's journey with South Coast Pirates

The coastal town of Diani is known for its white sandy beaches and serene atmosphere, but deep within its heart, a battle for survival is unfolding.

South Coast Pirates, the rugby team that fought for years to earn its place in the Kenya Cup, is now struggling to stay afloat in its debut season.

The transition to top-tier rugby has been brutal, with heavy losses defining their campaign. But amid the challenges, one man stands determined to steady the ship—fly-half Kelly Akengo.

For Akengo, rugby was never the first choice. Growing up in Kangemi, he spent most of his days playing football with friends in the streets until two of them, Vincent Kiplagat and Nelman Ligami, introduced him to rugby.

That moment changed everything. What started as a new sport to explore soon became his passion and, eventually, his way of life. Over the years, he has played for several teams, each experience moulding him into the player he is today.

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The early struggles threatened to break them, but they refused to go down without a fight. They showed glimpses of resilience with two crucial wins, shutting out Nakuru RFC 17-0 and overpowering Strathmore Leos 18-8.

Despite those victories, the threat of relegation looms large. Pirates sit ninth on the log, with two must-win matches against Nondescripts and Kenya Harlequin standing between them and survival. For Akengo, this is the moment to step up, to use his experience to inspire his teammates, and to ensure the team stays in the league.

“The key to a successful fly-half is making your teammates your first priority. You have to be the playmaker, the one who starts something. Every decision I make has to be in the team’s best interest,” he said.

His rugby philosophy is heavily influenced by Carlos Spencer, the legendary All Blacks fly-half known for his daring style of play.

Like Spencer, Akengo thrives in dictating the tempo, making crucial decisions under pressure, and setting up his teammates for success.

He had no doubts when he joined Pirates. He saw their hunger, their dream of playing in the Kenya Cup after years of trying and failing.

“I joined Pirates for a reason. They had a dream to be in the Kenya Cup, and for eight years, that dream wasn’t happening. Then, God, through my brother Kenneth Omaset, did his work, and the next moment, I was in Diani as a new Pirate,” he recalls.

Now, that dream is at risk. The journey has been anything but easy, but Akengo believes in the team’s ability to turn things around. He sees beyond the bruises of defeat and focuses on the character that rugby builds.

“Most people think rugby is just a physical game. Instead, it’s more spiritual than physical. It shapes character,” he says.

That character will be tested in the coming weeks. The fight for survival is on, and Pirates cannot afford to falter. Their fate hangs in the balance, but with Akengo steering the ship, they still have a chance.