Chipu coach, William Moto, adds Master’s degree, from Greek university, to his impressive resume

Kenya Rugby Union’s U20 Men’s National Team (Chipu) Strength and Conditioning Coach, Moto William, continues to scale new heights, this time off the pitch.

The seasoned rugby tactician who also double as Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad RFC coach has officially earned his Master of Science Degree in Olympic Studies, Olympic Education, Organization and Management of Olympic Events from the University of the Peloponnese in partnership with the International Olympic Academy in Greece.

The program is one of the most specialized Olympic-centered postgraduate degrees globally. Moto was one of only 16 students worldwide in his cohort. Of those, just two hailed from Africa, Moto and a colleague from Botswana. However, at the graduation ceremony, he proudly stood as the sole African representative, symbolizing the continent’s growing presence in global sports education.

“It was a surreal moment. All continents were represented, but I was the only African at the graduation. It made me proud of how far we’ve come and how much more we still have to achieve,” Moto shared.

His academic pursuit was made possible by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Solidarity Scholarship, facilitated in collaboration with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), a testament to his dedication and recognition in Kenya’s sporting landscape.

Moto, widely respected in local rugby circles, is not new to excellence. He is a Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Coach, Level 2 Coach and Match Official, Activate Coach, and FAIR Level 1 certified. Academically, he boasts a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from Kenyatta University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Zetech University, and now a Master’s with a PhD on the horizon.

A highlight of his academic journey was his deeply relevant and timely thesis titled: “An Investigation of the Impact of Dual Careers on Athletes’ Short-Term and Long-Term Financial Security: A Case Study of Kenya Rugby Union Elite Players.”

 “I owe a lot to the Federation. During my research, many players -  past and present - from the Lionesses, Simbas, and Shujaa, willingly supported my thesis. It was humbling,” he said.

Moto says the study is part of a broader mission to reshape the sporting experience for Kenyan athletes, helping them balance careers on and off the pitch while ensuring financial literacy and post-career stability.

Though humble about his achievements, Moto’s vision is clear: “I want to be part of the change not just for rugby, but for sport in Kenya. This is only the beginning.”

As the nation celebrates this milestone, the KRU and wider sports fraternity can take pride in nurturing not only great athletes but great minds and Moto William is proof of that.