Marvin Odongo in Perspective!

Marvin Odongo (Mavado)

 "Luck happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"

Brian Odongo

(Captain Uganda Rugby Cranes National 15s team, Personal friend)

What things make Marvin standout as a rugby player?
Marvin is an intelligent rugby player who uses every ounce of his knowledge to outwit his opponents. He is also super strong and can run through any size of opposition when asked to do so. Above all he is a team player. He loves helping the team win games by playing his best and also inspiring others to be at their best.

Oscar (Thomas) Kalyango, Marvin Odongo (Mavado) and Brian Odongo (Captain Fantastic) L-R.

What do you think Marvin’s past, present and future impact on rugby is?
Marvin came in at a young age as an aggressive, intelligent rugby player. He was able to win Elgon Cup in 2012 and his performances led him to be selected to represent the Elgon warriors that year: as the youngest player on that team. Within 2 years he was already a senior member of the team due to his leadership skills. Currently he is doing a great job for Uganda's National rugby team as well as Pirates Rugby Club where he has proven to be an extreme threat both in defense and attack. I once heard Pirates fans refer to him as "the man of steel ". That doesn't come easily and all of us can remember what he did against Namibia last year. I don't need to even talk about that game because it was that memorable. In the future, and I mean near future, I see Marvin leading Uganda to heights never achieved in the Republic.

Brian Odongo (Captain fantastic) and Marvin Odongo (Mavado).

What advice would you give Marvin?
The advice I'd give him for both life and rugby is always be efficient and effective in all your endeavors and u shall achieve perfection in life and rugby.

Sam Ahamya

(Marvin's coach at Kings College Budo and Pirates Rugby Club, Personal friend)

How do you know Marvin Odongo?
I first meet Marvin when I was coaching at Kings College Budo and he was in S5 then. He did not strike or impress me at first as he was very quiet and seemed shy. It took a lot to bring out the animal in him. But when he got into his stride he was like a runaway train.
His devotion to family and the role they have played in his life keeps him in focus. "His weakest link is his mom and sisters..." Don't tell him I said so though.
The animal in him was first manifested in the High School final when his dad had passed on. He swore to win the game for his late dad and played like a man possessed. The most moving moment was after the final whistle, when they had won, he fell to his knees and was silent in prayer giving thanks to the Lord for the Dad's life. The rest of the team quietly surrounded him. It was moving to see the bond the team had and the emotions they shared with him. May his soul continue to Rest in Peace.

What things make Marvin stand out as a rugby player?
What makes Marvin stand out... Except for his baby fat smile?... He is a born leader... Not many come that way... He is not the noisy braggart type but he lets his actions speak volumes on pitch. Watching him give an emotional team talk before the KOBS vs Pirates semi final of Uganda cup showed the passion he has for game and team.

What advice would you give Marvin?
Advice to Marvin... All wisdom and blessings come from the Lord. Love and respect your family. Listen to advice BUT make your own Decisions.

Anthony Kinene

What things make Marvin stand out as a rugby player?
He has got natural talent and instinct. A great game understanding and utmost game awareness.

What do you think Marvin’s past, present and future impact on rugby is?
He has been and still is a good team leader who leads by example on the field. I would recommend him to have a go at Cranes captaincy.

What advice would you give Marvin?
Continue pushing your limits. He has got impeccable potential to rise to the best back row in Uganda rugby books.

Brian Makalama

(Marvin's coach at Pirates Rugby Club, U-19, Personal friend, Gym instructor)

What things make Marvin stand out as a rugby player? 
Strong attitude and zeal to keep fighting. He just doesn't give up that easily and he knows his way around battles.

What do you think Marvin’s past, present and future impact on rugby is?
He did have a good foundation from school,  the U-19 and club. He met many who kept working on his game and he has been a keen and superb listener. But the beauty of it all is he is down to earth while interacting with everyone.

What advice would you give Marvin?
Work on his weaknesses and grow three players to replace him in the future.

Dennis Etuket

(Marvin's coach at Kings College Budo, Personal friend, Club captain and current team mate at Pirates Rugby Club)

What things make Marvin standout as a rugby player?
Marvin is an exceptional leader with lots of grit resilience. His "never say die" attitude is an attribute that rubs off onto his teammates. I can comfortably say he has got a skill set that is unmatched in his current position across East Africa. He is blessed with the pace and devastating skills of an outside back while basking it along with the warrior like aggression and drive of a back row in the mold of one of the best that have graced the sport in the world.

Dennis Etuket (sitting) and Mavado (Far right) L-R

What do you think Marvin’s past, present and future impact on rugby is?
Marvin’s character as a calm and self driven individual has helped shape the person he is both on and off pitch. He is the epitome of a true sportsman classified by the values of the 3D's i.e. Determination, Dedication & Discipline.They say greatness is infectious. Rather than complain when things aren't going his way Marvin has always challenged himself beyond what may be deemed his limit and this sign of mental strength has been an inspiration to his fellow contemporaries right from his early days as a lanky 17 yr old learning his trade on the hills of Budo while playing for Kings College Budo to the current period as a blossoming Ugandan International and Team Captain for the Black Pirates.

What advice would you give Marvin?
For a person I have seen develop from a 17 yr old rookie to a formidable senior player at both club and country level I would encourage him to continue honoring the values basked in the 3D's i.e. Dedication, Determination & Discipline. Since he is already a role model to many, it would be great to see him put a few lads under his wing and mentor them.

Ddumba, Felix Lubega, Dennis Etuket, Mawanda and Mavado. L-R

Eric Butime

(Former Pirates Rugby Club Captain, Personal friend)

1. What things make Marvin stand out as a rugby player?
He is incredibly strong, both physically and more importantly, mentally. He understands the game, prioritizes possession and yardage over showmanship and brawn. He is super confident and competitive. He backs himself against all odds. Lastly, he is team player, he appreciates the whole over the part.

2. What do you think Marvin's past, present and future impact on rugby is?
Past impact... He put King's College Budo rugby back on top in his school days. Presently, he has changed the look of a typical 8th man. Traditionally this is a spot for a thicker block with a more direct approach. He is lighter, quicker and that gives opposition something to think about. The future... well I have no crystal ball there. But I think he has already earned a place among the greats. Up there with Magona and Soita as one of the great number 8s.

3. What advice would you give Marvin?
Marvin is an impact player. He goes into contact like he is a heavyweight boxer. Anthony Joshua or something. I fear that might cut short his playing days. My advise is to either become a heavyweight boxer and back up his current approach. Or start tackling  and hitting low like the lanky guy you are... no pun intended bruv... it's all love. Otherwise he should just keep grounded.
Appreciate that the spot lights fade. Game days end. Therefore what you do between games and the spotlight is what is going to count during and after rugby.

We at Rugby 256 would like to give a special thanks to each of the gentlemen in this piece who took time to shade some light on Marvin. As Maya Angelou wrote, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I can safely say that very few people will forget how Marvin made them and continues to make them feel. One heck of a rugby player and even a better person.