The Resilient JKUAT RFC Captain Battling Bipolar Disorder on the Rugby Field

Bipolar disorder, often misunderstood and stigmatized, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

For individuals like Davis Masinga Ooko, the 23-year-old captain of the JKUAT RFC team, a Kenya Rugby Union Championship side, these mood shifts can be disruptive, especially in a high-pressure environment like competitive rugby.

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, as it impacts various aspects of one's life, including personal relationships, work, and hobbies. In the case of Masinga, rugby is not just a sport but a passion that he refuses to let bipolar disorder overshadow.

In a recent interview with Citizen Digital, Masinga courageously opened up about his ongoing battle with bipolar disorder and how it has affected his journey as a rugby player.

"I started rugby in 2016 when at St Mary's School - Yala, in form one, I picked up fast and became the top try scorer in high school games for two consecutive years, I was born with Bipolar and started early medication while still in primary, in 2019 after our regional games I got a very serious spine injury and I was admitted in a comma at Homabay referral hospital, injury increased the bipolar intensity and I had to quit school for some time and only came back to sit for my KCSE exam," he noted.

Despite the challenges he faces, Masinga scooped a B+ in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams and joined Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology - JKUAT main campus, where he enrolled to study statistics and data analysis in 2020.

Masinga went directly to join the campus rugby team, and at some point, he had to defer for one academic year due to depression caused by bipolar which lasted longer than normal.

On January 9th 2022, Masinga managed to come back to the rugby field, and surprisingly, he managed to overcome the odds and emerge as the top point scorer for three consecutive seasons, a recent feat being the just concluded KRU Championship season, where he came second with 104 points, 9 points behind South Coast Pirates Kelly Akengo.

His kicking prowess is something he took seriously after his coaches, Smith Muhoya and Newton Patet, advised him.

For Masinga, every match is a battleground, not just against the opposing team but also against his internal struggles. The unpredictable nature of bipolar disorder means that he must navigate periods of intense energy and enthusiasm (mania) followed by episodes of profound sadness and lethargy (depression).

Masinga went on to credit individuals he remains indebted to in his rugby journey; he praised the JKUAT RFC team for creating a safe space where he feels accepted and valued despite his mental health challenges.

"When I joined JKUAT, I found captain Eugene Lubang'a, currently at Menengai Oilerss; he gave me the much-needed confidence despite knowing my condition; my mum and dad have been my pillar, they normally call me twenty minutes before every game just to psych me up and lastly my teammates who understand whenever my mood changes, it's not easy but I they have been patient to me, they are just more than a teammate," he noted.

These fluctuations have made it difficult to maintain focus, consistency, and motivation for Masinga.

"Playing rugby has helped me; anytime I feel bad, I normally go to the rugby pitch and just kick the ball; sometimes bipolar rises when I am focused on a very important game; it's sickening, to say the least", narrated emotional Masinga.

On his lowest moment in rugby, Masinga recalled missing the Kenya under-20 trials at a time when bipolar depression was on the rise.

"I believe I could have made the cut if I attended the trials, but sadly, it wasn't possible; I also regret missing KSSSA nationals due to a leg injury while still in high school ", he offered.

The resilience displayed by Masinga serves as a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. Despite the hurdles he faces, he refuses to let bipolar disorder define him or dictate his future.

His recent success occurred when he was selected to play for the KCB Lions in the ongoing Rugby Super Series as a fullback.

Masinga looks forward to playing for Kenya Sevens and Kenya Simbas in future, and he looks to Kenyan international Darwin Mukidza, Eden Agero, and Willy Ambaka.

Masinga's story highlights the importance of raising awareness about mental health issues within sports communities. By fostering a culture of empathy and support, teams can create environments where athletes feel comfortable seeking help and accessing the resources they need to thrive both on and off the field.

As Masinga continues to defy expectations and shatter stereotypes, he serves as a sign of hope for individuals living with bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. His journey is a reminder that with the right support and mindset, anything is possible, even in the face of adversity.