Name; John William Wandicho
Age; 25
Home location; Entebbe
Date of Birth; 18th February 1991
Place of Birth; Entebbe
Primary school; L. Victoria School
Secondary school; Hilton High School Entebbe SS
University; Nkumba University Bachelors in Procurement.
Profession; Procurement & Logistics officer
Weight; 95kg
Height; 6’
Position; Forward, Lock and Flanker
Total UG 15s CAPS; 12 (3 years)
Clubs Played for; Mongers (6 yrs)
Other Sports; Soccer, Cricket, Volley ball.
John William Wandicho, when anyone has to face Mongers they know they are going to face Wandicho. He carries the heart of the Mongers Rugby club. In every team there is always that one person that holds everyone together, and that is Wandicho to Mongers. John, Entebbe born and raised, loves his hometown so much that he could not imagine himself playing Rugby anywhere else. He has developed Rugby in Entebbe significantly and we believe he might be among the best results of Entebbe Rugby. Wandicho has a very good understanding of Rugby as a team sport. It is never just about him as an individual. Its his entire team or nothing at all. He has very strong faith in team work and will always bring his 100% for his team. Dependable is an understatement for the dedication John has for every team he is a part of.
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| Meet Mongers Rugby Club Lock; John William Wandicho. |
But most of all the one thing that plays in his favor and he is very well known for, is the level of respect he has for every person that has the guts to step on a rugby field. And because of this, he does not under estimate any of his opponents or his teammates. That builds team chemistry for his side but also develops a mutual respect for him and the game from his opponents. When you face John, get ready for a true battle.
Well we got a great opportunity to catch Mongers' Forward and got to ask him a few questions. He had some very interesting things to share. Enjoy!
What got you started? Friends from school influenced me to play rugby. I was very encouraged by the Nkumba University players.
What is your biggest accomplishment in your sports career? Getting to play for Uganda National Rugby Cranes 15s team.
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| Captain Fantastic gives the term "game face" a whole new definition. (Brian Odongo, John William Wandicho, Joseph Aredo, Kiwalabya and Ijongat James) L-R |
What one or two things do you currently do in your training that are keys to your success? I work hard and have unwavering believe in myself.
How do you set your goals? In life, I am always happy so I aim at achieving what will make me happy. For the sport I aim at performing better in each game that I play. It could probably explain why I've achieved quite a lot in a few years.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge? I don't believe there is a big challenge per say. It all depends on how you approach it so I look for the easiest way possible out of any situation.
What is your diet like? I do lots of carbohydrates, proteins, fruits and vegetables.
What 1-2 things do you believe differentiates you from your contemporaries? I respect everyone. I think that's key and improves on the chemistry between me and my teammates.
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| BRING IT IN! - Mongers Rugby Club |
Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites, coaches)? We as a team often watch games together and look out for the positives that can help improve us as a team.
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it? I volunteer with an organization called Embrace Kulture (www.embraceKulture.org) that deals with people with disabilities and through rugby I've tried to make people in communities realize that these are still very capable people that should be accepted in society as they are by doing what we call inclusive rugby. This is where disabled people play rugby with the normal people. To me that's a big breakthrough because I discovered how I could be part of something bigger than myself and give back to my community.
As a nation on the Rugby scene, the recent performances like winning the African Tier 1B championship last year and playing in the 7s series this year has brought a lot of attention to the sport here in Uganda & the world over. It has motivated many people to join the sport.
What was the best advice you were ever given? Do what makes you happy and never stop working towards your goal.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? No particular motto. I live by values I was taught by my mum.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My mother, the late Nambozo Jennifer.
Yeah and Richie Mccaw. He had a brilliant career that left a lasting impact on the sport of Rugby. But most importantly he is still serving his country, New Zealand, off the pitch.
What do you outside of Rugby? I have my company called Deming Masters that offers procurement and logistics services. We offer consultancy services for now but hope to expand soon.
What would you have done had you not become a rugby star? I would have played soccer and volleyball.
Wandicho is what we would call a successful non legacy* rugby player. He shows how very possible it is not to attend a rugby high school but find the love for the sport of Rugby later on and actually make a huge impact on the rugby field. Not only is he a non legacy player but he is not a player from any of the Kyadondo or Legends Rugby Club based teams. He represents that small group of rugby players that stand out wherever in the country they play because their talent is indisputable.
Because of players like him, the belief that being a legacy is the only way to become a successful rugby player in Uganda right now is becoming a known myth. He is undeniably talented but most importantly he is breaking down a barrier for players who do not play Rugby in Kampala. We hope to see more players like him from all parts of the country that will make their fans drive to see them in action.
*Legacy Player is a player that has early exposure to a sport, through an institution that has history of developing and later dominating in that sport, be it from school, an academy or youth league e.g. players that played for SMACK, Kings College Budo, Namilyango College, HANA, MACOS etc or players that played tag rugby, played for Tigers, Stallions or SummerKamp.
Well lets find out what other players in the league think of John William Wandicho.
Simon Wakabi (Teammate at Mongers Rugby Club)
What things make Wandicho stand out as a rugby player? Wandicho is one of the few members that have stood out from Mongers hitting above the bar and making it to National Team. That implies that he is good on pitch and has the required confidence. Rugby is majorly a mental game and all about attitude which is an important aspect he has. He is always out to enjoy and express himself on pitch. Any coach would want such a player.
What do you think Wandicho's past, present and future impact on rugby is? In Entebbe, he has helped coach tag rugby and spread the game in schools, which of course impacts the lives of many. A number of players in Entebbe accord their development to him.
What advice would you give Wandicho? Keep working hard, knowing that you also have to be exemplary to the young looking up to you and majorly those you are coaching.
What things make Wandicho stand out as a rugby player? His hard-work, knowledge of the game and willingness to get stuck in the engine room. He is the modern day blended with old school lock.
What do you think Wandicho's past, present and future impact on rugby is? John has built the game in Entebbe in more ways than can be seen. Mongers has developed many players and John is one of the vital cogs in that. All I can say about John is in 2019 I hope we shall be together at the Rugby World Cup which is a target for all players right now in the country.
What advice would you give Wandicho? Always keep your eye on the prize! Set a realistic goal and work towards it. But most of all keep pushing no matter the circumstances! It's the storms that build the sailors.
Semwami Daudi (Assistant Captain - Rhinos Rugby Club)
What things make Wandicho stand out as a rugby player? His passion for the game and respect for his teammates as well as every other person that he knows.
What do you think Wandicho's past, present and future impact on rugby is? He has laid a platform some couldn't believe could be possible. Back in the day the national team comprised of players from KOBS and Heathens till Adigas and Olwenyi changed that and John has managed to show his teammates that as much as the other guys aren't available for national duty he is always ready to serve his nation.
What advice would you give Wandicho? Keep working hard cause I for one would love to see him start a game for national team not off bench and also keep up the good work he is doing in Entebbe.
Robert Sseguya aka Soggie (Coach National Rugby Cranes 15s Team)
What things make Wandicho stand out as a rugby player? He is a good committed player and a leader sorts.
What do you think Wandicho's past, present and future impact on rugby is? For the time he has been on the national team, he has not started he comes off the bench however he is always ready to give his everything for the team and that's what makes him pretty unique!
What advice would you give Wandicho? Work harder than you have ever thought and get even more serious with rugby because big things are coming your way.
Arthur Mpande (Teammate National Rugby Cranes 15s Team)
What things make Wandicho stand out as a rugby player? He always makes a difference while on pitch with his great charisma and versatility which makes him to be a stand out rugby player.
What do you think Wandicho's past, present and future impact on rugby is? He has had a positive impact in rugby which has enabled his Entebbe based Mongers side to be a strong competitive rugby side and has also encouraged the growth of rugby in Entebbe with the coming up of Entebbe Sharks which is a Women's team.
What advice would you give Wandicho? Keep pushing hard and strong in all aspects of life because there's life after rugby.
Elijah Segawa Kitooke (Captain Mongers Rugby Club)
What things make Wandicho stand out as a rugby player? His history of playing at the wing means he is fast which gives him an advantage against the slower forwards and his high ball handling skills make him out standing. He has dangerous runs when kicked to as well.
What advice would you give Wandicho? Work on your tackling skills.
Phillip Wokorach (Kabras Sugar Rugby Club)
What things make Wandicho stand out as a rugby player? He is a good team leader and a dedicated player, who carries out his roles and duties on pitch exquisitely.
What do you think Wandicho's past, present and future impact on rugby is? Wandicho has always been a consistent performer from when I first heard of him back then till this very day.
What advice would you give Wandicho? Hard work is always rewarded so he should give his all in whatever he does in all aspects of his life.
Oscar Kalyango Bakojja (Team Captain KOBS Rugby Club)
What things make Wandicho stand out as a rugby player? Wandicho is a dedicated player that works hard and is very much willing to learn plus he never gives up.
What do you think Wandicho's past, present and future impact on rugby is? He is a leader. Mongers was one of the most disorganized team but Wandicho has worked a lot to organise them and it shows. John is one of the better locks the country has and if he works hard and coaches use him right, Uganda will be home and dry.
What advice would you give Wandicho? Keep doing what you are doing. Matter of fact do it harder than ever.
Marvin Odongo (Team Captain Black Pirates Rugby Club)
What things make Wandicho stand out as a rugby player? John is a very jolly and charismatic, guy and in a sport where emotions and tempers are constantly flaring, I think this makes him standout.
What do you think Wandicho's past, present and future impact on rugby is? Wandicho is a great leader and I think this has impacted his team greatly. I'm not sure of his future plans, but I'm sure he would make a good coach or administrator one day.
What advice would you give Wandicho? He should continue working hard, the sky is he limit for him.
We at RELL Rugby 256 want to give a huge shout out to the amazing players that took time to give us insight on who Wandicho was, is and could be as a rugby player. But most importantly we want to thank John William Wandicho for letting us share his story. A very humble and respectful guy that is doing very big things and doesn't nearly get as much credit as he truly deserves. Next week we will get to know how Wandicho is using Rugby to give back to his community. But for now, we hope you enjoyed a very uniquely inspiring profile.
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