Captain Fantastic in Perspective

Brian Odongo aka Captain Fantastic.

"To those that much is given, much is expected."
There is a special kind of rugby player with the potential to leave a lasting impact on Uganda rugby and Brian is that player. He has been a blessed with great set of people to look up to and learn from as well as an even better team of guys to lead both at KOBS and the national team. Every single player on these teams has given Brian a new challenge as well as taught him a lot more in terms of how to be an effective and respectable leader.

Well this week we took a second to interview all the different players that have interacted with Brian in one way or another, be it on the club level or international level. And here are some of the interesting things that the guys had to say about Uganda's Captain Fantastic.

Men at work! 

Steven Ogwete
(Big Brother, Former teammate at KOBS and National 15s team)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? He has phenomenal calmness under pressure thus the capabilities of a true leader.

What advice would you give Brian? Impart some of his knowledge to the young lads.

Fred Mudoola 
(Former teammate at KOBS and National 15s team, Coach at KOBS)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? Leadership ability and qualities. He is very very strong with ball in hand and equally good in tackling. His defense for a Prop isn't bad either. His fighting spirit and ability and never say die attitude. He is a winner, he loves to win and he hates losing. He cannot be intimated on pitch.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? He has won various titles and accolades because of this and will continue to do so.

What advice would you give Brian? Think about starting your family. Keep the values you hold in life, the KOBS values too. Remain a strong competitor on and off the rugby pitch. Work hard. Continue learning and studying.

Adrian Bukenya
(KOBS Exec chairman)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby Player? His durability, dedication and determination stand out. He also has deceptive speed and good ball handling skills which set him apart as a front rower.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is?  Brian will be remembered as one of the great leaders of Ugandan Sports. He has helped Uganda Rugby navigate the transition following the success in 2007, helping develop the next generation. Doing so with dignity and honor. He definitely has the capability to contribute significantly from the administrative perspective after he stops playing actively.

What advice would you give Brian? You are a scholar and a gentleman. Continue allowing us the belief in BOD.

Dennis Muriithi
(Kenya Quins)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? His leadership capabilities. His ability to lead cranes by example on the pitch. His ability to mentor and guide new players. Odongo is confident and determined. He never gives up on tasks ahead of him.

The captain doing what he does best that is leading his guys from the front.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? He has evolved the mentality and attitude of UG front rows. He joined cranes at a time when props were just considered and selected on their weight. His capability to scrum, his mobility ball skills and ability to adapt according to game situations made a lethal front row. In that way he inspired a lot of aspiring and current players.

What advice would you give Brian? Do not to retire before leading the cranes to the world cup and don't retire before I do.

Brian Asaba
(Stand in Captain and flanker, KOBS and National 15s teammate)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? Leadership, ball carries and the occasional prop goose step.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? Past and present - as a captain, he has managed to steer the national team ship in a positive direction. Future- Lead Uganda to its first world cup,

What advice would you give Brian? Life is a sport, make it count.

Marvin Odongo
(Captain, Black Pirates Rugby Club and National 15s teammate)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? Brian's leadership is one of his strongest attributes and probably his most outstanding. He is also a very hard working person and uses a lot of his intellect during games which makes him extremely effective.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? Brian has had a great impact to the sport, both for club and country, having led the respective sides to multiple victories. He is very passionate about the sport and this makes him have an even greater impact on his teammates. In the future I see Brian leading Uganda to great victories, I see him leading Uganda to qualifying for the World Cup in 2019, and I hope I can be part of the team to help him achieve this. This kind of respect Brian commands in the rugby community is amazing, he is a father and a brother to many of the younger rugby players who look up to him and provides very expert counsel to his peers. He is one of a kind. I also expect that he will go into coaching after he pulls the curtain on his illustrious career.

What advice would you give Brian? Continue to trust in the Lord, and keep on keeping on. The sky is the limit for you.

John William Wandicho
(Prop. Mongers and National 15s teammate)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? He is a great leader, always encouraging and motivating his teammates.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? He is a role model to many.

What advice would you give Brian? He should keep up with what he is doing for the game in the country.

Oscar Kalyango Bakojja
(Captain KOBS and National 15s teammate)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? Brian works hard and he is very committed. He is always willing to learn. But above all he challenges himself to achieve the best no wonder he sometimes as prop does things backs do like goosing.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on Rugby is? Captain fantastic learnt from the best Kenneth Mutabaruka and Fred Mudoola and now he is the best. Presently he is the captain of the national team but he has not stopped working hard, he only gets better. Well for the future he is the one that will get us the second CAR Trophy and later on take us to the world cup.

What advice would you give Brian? Brian keep doing what you are doing, guide the teams i.e KOBS and Uganda to glory. Always been proud to be part of troops and I hope to get back to finish what we started Captain Fantastic.

Segawa Kitooke
(Mongers Captain)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? Brian's experience and knowledge for the game makes his stand. As a prop he knows how to efficiently use and conserve his energy on the pitch.

Gabriel Aredo
(Player coach Warriors)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? Leads by example, level headed and a gentleman of the sport.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? Ability to inspire his teams is one of his finest qualities and this has helped set a benchmark for the new generation of players.

What advice would you give Brian? When u lead others will follow.

Adnan Mutebi
(Prop, Teammate at KOBS)

What things make Brian stand out as a rugby player? His skill set is reputable. No forward can match it maybe me. lol and of course his experience is unmatched. He captained KOBS while at campus and KOBS then was no joke.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? Positive. All the players love and respect him. Personally i wish to achieve half of what he has done and I believe I would have attained much.

What advice would you give Brian? Not to quit too soon cause he has achieved lots already and always remain humble as before.




Mpande Arthur
(Rhinos)

What things about Brian make him stand out as a rugby player? His work ethic is positive both on and off the pitch, and BOD always encourages teammates when things go south for them which helps to improve their game, hence his role as a captain. He is also an impact player during games in a way that he always makes each and every effort to move his team forward.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? I think his impact on rugby will give hope to rugby players in Uganda to reach greater heights in the rugby world due to the fact that BOD has played rugby for a long period of time and is still going strong.

What advice would you give Brian? The sky is not always the limit, aim further for greatness. Greatness has no limit.

Phillip Wokorach
Kabras Sugar Rugby Club Kenya

What things about Brian make him stand out as a rugby player? Well BOD is someone who leads by example, he walks the talk. He gives his all. Against Zimbabwe last year he was the man of the match after a great performance, most of us had to step up our game to reciprocate the effort.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? He still has a lot to offer to the game, he is injury free kudos to him and his management for that, I think the change in approach to  games has helped with that. He is still aggressive and fast as before which means he still has his energy in him though he holds his waist more often these days ha ha ha...

What advice would you give Brian? Quote by Albert Einstein, "Try not to be a man of Success but of Value!" applies in many aspects of life including sport. Everyone appreciates Value, even Critics.

Semwami Daudi
Asst. Capt Rhinos

What things about Brian make him stand out as a rugby player? He is more of a friend/brother/ mentor than a captain.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? He leads by example cause as captain he attends training, follows instructions and is adaptable to new strategies.

What advice would you give Brian? Get even more involved with all your players.

Big Boys Chase #BigBoysDontCry #Rounding

Mark Kyagaba
(Former teammate at KOBS)

What things about Brian make him standout as a rugby player?
Great guy who has a mature approach to the game. He had his life together so young. However, success hasn't steered him away from playing a great game. He is just a  big boy that doesn't cry; a jolly good fella. He most importantly always shows up when it matters the most. He also has KOBS at heart who are a great blend of players.

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? His mental ability is great! He is a uniquely built athletic guy. A very mobile prop. He can carry his weight very well and is very fast. He has managed to find the balance between mass, weight and speed and that is one thing the props coming up are going to need to master to be as successful as he is if not better at rugby in that position. I would say he has revolutionized what a prop in Ugandan Rugby should look like.

What advice would you give Brian? Be God fearing and keep setting an example for the young generation and of-course get married and start a family.

Robert Sseguya
(Coach of Uganda National 15s team, Former player Heathens and Buffaloes)

What things about Brian make him standout as a rugby player? His character and personality. He is a very hard working guy who loves what he does and puts in all his energy to be the best!

What do you think Brian's past, present and future impact on rugby is? He started rugby while in school, he has showed everyone that even when you are big ,you can move and even run better than the small guys. He is a great leader and leads from the front. I know he will lead the team to a great performance because he is a motivator and team player who believes in hard work!

What advice would you give Brian? I would tell him to stick to what has made him who he is and to keep loving his country.

KOBS vs. Buffaloes

We at Rugby 256 want to give a big shout out first and fore most to all the phenomenal athletes that took time to give us their take on Brian Odongo. He is truly a driven gentleman who continues to leave his footprint in the sand wherever he goes. We know that he will take the opinions, reflections and pieces of advice to heart because that is just who he is. He is always looking for a new way to grow and become every better than he already is. That is what makes him Captain Fantastic. Last but not least, Rugby 256 thanks Brian Odongo for sharing with us his amazing story, it has been very enlightening to hear and maybe slightly start to understand the various qualities that make Brian who he is today. We will keep an eye out for that second CAR trophy as well as the world cup qualifiers. We wish you all the best!