Evans Sangura: Try line dreams, the rise of a rugby believer

Sangura, now turning heads at Nakuru RFC, first encountered the sport of rugby in 2009, not on the field, but on a television screen.

“I remember watching Shujaa play, and Innocent Simiyu stood out. He was the first rugby player I got to know. The funny thing is that we share the same last name. That really motivated me,” Sangura told Citizen Digital.

Though the young boy from Makongeni didn’t pick up a rugby ball immediately, the seed was planted. That dream would begin to take shape when he joined Nanyuki High School, where rugby offered more struggle than success in the early days.

“It was hard,” he reflects. “But I kept training, believing I’d make the school team one day.”

That belief bore fruit in Form Three when his raw speed and fearless attitude earned him a spot in the squad, his first step into competitive rugby.

After high school, Sangura joined the University of Eldoret (UoE), where his rise was meteoric. He made his senior debut at the Bull Ring against Western Bulls in the 2017/18 season.

Guided by the late Kidiga, a player-coach at UoE, and Kevin Mwisheni, the then team manager, Sangura became a cornerstone of the university team for over four seasons.

His achievements at UoE include:

KUSA Champions – Egerton University & Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology

Great Rift 10s – Division 2 Runners-Up

Varsity League – Second Runners-Up

MVP at KUSA Meru University (2019)

Scored a memorable winning try against Mombasa RFC to keep the team from relegation

In 2024/25, Sangura fulfilled a long-held dream by signing for Nakuru RFC, his boyhood club. His debut came in a high-octane clash against Kenya Harlequins, marking a significant milestone in his journey.

“This is a dream come true,” he beams. “I never thought I’d wear the Nakuru jersey one day. But I believe better days are coming and my dreams will come true.”

Despite currently nursing a knee injury, Sangura’s spirit remains unshaken. He’s working tirelessly to return in time for the National 7s Circuit, with hopes of catching the eye of the national selectors.

“I’m never giving up. I have to make it. I believe I’ll make it one day. I’m just waiting for God’s time, which is always the best.”

Sangura credits his inspiration to some of the best to ever do it:

Collins Injera (Kenya)

Seabelo Senatla (South Africa)

Alfred Orege (Kabras RFC)

At just 25, Evans Sangura stands as a beacon for every young athlete whose path is filled with setbacks. His story proves that passion, patience, and perseverance still count in an era of quick fixes.

And as the try line awaits once more, Sangura’s eyes remain locked on the dream: wearing the Kenyan jersey and scoring for Shujaa, just like Simiyu once did.