- The first leg of the 2025 Legends Cup between Kenya Legends and Uganda Legends is scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at Kyadondo Rugby Football Club in Kampala.
- Allan Namu is among the 24 Kenya players in Uganda who will be seeking to clinch the title for the third consecutive time, as well as extend their unbeaten streak to five matches against Uganda.
- Allan, an acclaimed journalist in the country, has explained why this trip is particularly special to him.
Kenya Legends rugby player and acclaimed investigative journalist John Allan Namu has described his participation in the 2025 Legends Cup tour in Uganda as an incredibly meaningful experience.
Namu, widely recognized for his impactful journalism, is among the 24 players selected to face off against the Uganda Legends in the first leg of the Legends Cup, scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at the Kyadondo Rugby Football Club in Kampala.
Under the guidance of former Impala head coach Oscar Osir, the Kenya Legends will be aiming for a third consecutive triumph over Uganda, while also seeking to extend their undefeated streak to five matches.
Although not widely known for his rugby prowess by the general public, Namu shared how his passion for the sport began during his university days, eventually leading to national recognition before he shifted to journalism.
My rugby journey started a long time ago. I was at Strathmore University and then moved St. Mary’s, where I captained the team and won the Press Cup several times,” Namu recounted during an interview with SportPesa Blog during the team’s final training session in Uganda.
In 2003, I joined Nondies and played for two to three seasons. Eventually, I earned three caps with the national team before making the transition to the newsroom.”
Now 42 years old, Namu expressed just how profoundly meaningful this edition of the Legends Cup is for him, particularly the chance to reconnect with former teammates and relive a chapter of his life that had long been set aside.
This is my first trip with a rugby team since 2004, and this is my first tour with the Kenya Legends. It’s a really special experience playing alongside these guys I admired when I used to play against them and with them.
It’s also fulfilling to reconnect with rugby after a 21-year gap. It’s a great way to finally do some of the things I wasn’t able to do before because I was in the newsroom – although now at a much slower pace,” he reflected.
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Despite acknowledging the physical toll of returning to the game after more than two decades, Namu remains in high spirits.
“To be honest, I haven’t felt this good in ages. My knees are a bit sore, but that’s part of aging. I’m feeling strong, optimistic, and really happy. I know this will be an amazing trip here in Uganda.”
Looking ahead to the match, Namu expressed unshakable confidence in the Kenya Legends’ ability to deliver a spirited performance and edge past their rivals.
A phobic is a phobic. My expectation is that we will win. I believe Kenya always comes out on top. Of course, Uganda is going to put up a tough fight – they’re playing at home and will want to impress their fans. We’re really ready for a fierce contest, but with all the strength behind us, we’ll put up a good fight,” he reiterated.
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The last encounter between these two fierce rivals took place on September 29, 2024, at the RFUEA Grounds, where Kenya secured a 24-15 win.
Earlier that year, the Legends had defeated Uganda 26-15 in the first leg, sealing a 50-30 aggregate victory.
That success marked Kenya’s second consecutive Legends Cup title, following a dominant 69-18 overall win in 2023, and extended their winning streak to four matches against Uganda.
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