Phillip Wokorach through the eyes of his coaches.

Every man is definitely not an island. Last week we profiled Phillip Wokorach and he got to share with us his life and his career. Well this week we decided to find out from Phillip’s coaches what their different opinions were about the Phillip Wokorach we have to know and love.

Phillip Wokorach at Kyadondo Rugby Club during his tag rugby days.

Ochol Peter aka Sky 

Sky would be considered the first coach Phillip Wokorach ever had. Sky has been working with the TAG rugby program since it was established in 2002. When people talk about a structured flight path in rugby, they mean you went through tag rugby, transitioned to contact rugby and then prepared to play competitively. In our interview with him, he talked about how Phillip never missed practice and was always willing to go the extra mile even at a very young age.

 Masendi Robert (Okudi), Innocent Gwokto, Wokorach Phillip , Aaron Oforrothy

What things make Phillip stand out as a Rugby player? Respect. He believes in himself  and always listens to advise. He is a God fearing person.

Engsol Stallions

What do you think is Phillip's past, present and future impact on rugby? Wokos has always loved the game ever since he was young. He played the game even under rain which was not allowed. He is the type of kid who never missed training. He kept going even after breaking both legs. It is quite hard for some people to come back after such injuries. So this gives hope, lessons and challenges to those who always give up after injuries.

Sky and Phillip at the St. Martin Sports Office     

What advise would you give Phillip moving forward? I would advise him to keep up with the great work and always continue praying to God because he is the one who brought him through all the challenges he has faced.

Christine Kizito

From Phillip's early rugby days there is another very influential coach in his life. Christine Kizito coached Phillip all the way from tag rugby to Tigers and later to Stallions before Robert Sseguya took over. She has had an outstanding contribution to the development of young talent in the sport of rugby that it is no surprise that she was involved in the development of an exceptional player like Phillip.

Phillip Wokorach & Christine Kizito

Robert Sseguya aka Soggie. 

Robert Sseguya is the current coach of the Uganda Rugby cranes National 15s team, the same team he once played for, as well as Heathens Rugby Club where Phillip Wokorach played as well. He also coached Phillip when he played for the Stallions as well as in high school at Hana International School. He has been not only been a coach for Phillip, but a mentor as well as role model. Phillip has watched Robert since his days playing for Heathens. He never could have guessed that one day he would get to play for his role model on the Uganda Rugby Cranes National 15s Team. Robert’s inspiring career as a rugby player might be the reason that we all get to see Phillip playing today. Phillip watched rugby at a time when it was dominated with white players but he never truly believed he could play the sport till Robert came on the scene. Phillip found someone he could relate with and that was all he needed to start working to become the best version of a rugby player he could be. So we got to interview Robert Sseguya this week and this what he had to say about Phillip.

Robert Sseguya, Phillip Wokorach & Kevin Keremundu

What things make Phillip stand out as a rugby player? I would definitely say his work ethic. He works so hard and it's because of this that he gets his speed and strength! Besides that, his style of play would be another big one. He is known to be an exceptional side stepper! Also he has an eye for space in the opposite team’s line and this might be the main reason as to why he doesn't take a lot of contact when playing.

Phillip Wokroach at a Hana vs. Namilyango College game

What do you think is Phillip’s past, present and future impact on rugby? Wokos having come from a humble background is a sign that anyone can raise from any background and do what they love.This has greatly impacted youngsters with great skills but from humble backgrounds like him. They are joining rugby now. Also I think Phillip playing the way he does is a sign that Uganda has talented players and we have a great skill in Uganda. This has greatly enhanced Uganda on the international platform as soon Uganda will be recognized as a great rugby nation.

Phillip Wokorach, Robert Sseguya & Joseph Aredo

What advice would you give Phillip going forward? I would tell him not to be carried away and not to think that he is the best but to keep working hard to be the best!

Tolbert Onyango

Tolbert is the current coach of the Uganda Rugby Cranes National 7s Team. He just like Robert, has been witness to the great uprising of Phillip Wokorach so we thought it would be interesting to see what he thought of the player Phillip had become.

Tolbert instructing a practice session for tag rugby

What things make Phillip stand out as a rugby player? He is humble, very keen to learn, always does extra training on his own, has great people skills and in general he is an outstanding young man.

What do you think Phillip's past, present and future impact on rugby is? Humble beginnings, started playing the game at such an early age. So he had the privilege of a structured flight path as opposed to many other players.He has been influential in getting the team especially sevens to Africa cup and some recognition in The World Series. This has inspired, especially the kids, to believe that there is a reward for hard work in rugby. Now that he's getting some loot as well it's possible to earn a living from the sport. The real success will be when he helps us to qualify for the World Series and the World Cup later on in the year. And hopefully unearth more players like himself. We hope to see more kids picking up the rugby ball as well as more competition at school and university level. Because that has been lacking.

What advice would you give Phillip going forward? To always be level headed. Do not let success get to your head. Invest money that you get from the sport wisely and keep on working hard on and off pitch.

Last but not least, we at RELL Rugby 256 decided to give Phillip a real throwback to his Hana and Buffaloes' days.

Phillip maybe getting ready to do the HAKA who knows with this guy.

Phillip kicking at Buffaloes vs. Heathens game.