Cornelius Amos Mokoro runs with the ball during a training session in Bucharest, Romania, on June 14, 2024.
Cornelius Amos Mokoro, a 21-year-old Kenyan rugby player, has left the familiar fields of his homeland for the new surroundings of Bucharest, Romania.
Three months into his professional career with Romanian rugby club CSA Steaua, Amos is not only adapting to a new league but also to a different culture and language.
“Cum te cheamă?” (what's your name) and “Buna ziua” (Hello) are among the few Romanian phrases the player who was born in Keroka, Kisii County, has picked up so far.
The language barrier presents a unique challenge, particularly during matches where clear communication is essential.
Cornelius Mokoro Amos of CSA Steaua takes on CS Universitatea Cluj Rugby Club at the University of Cluj, Bucharest on June 14, 2024.
As the only African player among 33 at Steaua Rugby Club, Amos often relies on a translator, though one is only available during training sessions.
"Sometimes in games, you miss communicating an important point, but training sessions are smoother with the help of a translator,” Amos told Nation Sport via ziim.
Off the pitch, the scrum-half uses Google Translate to off hi translation. "When I go shopping, I rely on Google Translate to get by. Most Romanians don't speak English, so without the translator, I'm at a loss," he says. “Even with my teammates, I use the tool during breaks since there are only a few English speakers.”
Beyond the language challenges, Amos is adjusting to a higher level of competition.
"The standard of the game here is a bit higher," he says in reference to the facilities, officiating, and overall professionalism. Modern training grounds, advanced equipment, and experienced referees mark a significant shift from what he was used to in Kenya.
The climate in the south-eastern European nation also presents its own challenges, with the intense summer heat necessitating adjustments to training schedules.
"We have to train early before it gets too hot," Amos explains. Special gear is also required to maintain peak performance in such conditions.
Despite the initial hurdles, Amos is embracing the new experience. Playing for CSA Steaua has enriched his social life, allowing him to connect with teammates from diverse backgrounds, including Romania, Chile, the Netherlands, Argentina, Georgia, Fiji, and South Africa.
"It's a great experience," he says with a smile. "I keep working hard and embracing the challenges that come as lessons."
He emphasises the importance of seizing every opportunity that comes one’s way. Born to Jack Mokoro and Jane Mokoro in 2004,
Amos’ journey began in 2016 at little-known St Joseph’s Nyabigena Secondary School in Kisii, where he transitioned from a footballer to a rugby player, eventually becoming the team’s captain at Form Two.
The second-born in a family of two children was initially drawn to football, but an injury which he sustained at secondary school steered him toward rugby.
After finishing his secondary school studies in 2020, he joined Zetech University to pursue a course in Hospitality and Tourism, and started playing for Kenya Harlequin in 2023.
His mother Jane Mokoro admits that she initially wanted her son to quit the sport.
“I wanted him to stop playing rugby, but his father encouraged him to continue,” she said. However, that has since changed.
“As a parent, I am excited about my son’s progress at this particular point in life,” she said.
Under the guidance of coaches Amady Diallo and Paul Murunga, Amos played for Kenya Harlequin in the Kenya Cup for two and a half seasons. He joined the Romanian club late last year with the help of an agent.
“The first deal fell through because I had not yet processed my travel documents, and that happened during my first season with Quins. But persistence paid off. Having put together the necessary paperwork, I was ready to embark on the new adventure after my second season,” he recalls.
Life in Bucharest is undeniably different. “The weather is either very cold or extremely hot. Sometimes, it can be 10am and the sun is already scorching,” he says.
Adjusting his sleep schedule to match the extended daylight hours has been another challenge. However, the warm welcome from his teammates has made the transition easier.
Under the coaching of Viorel Lucaci, CSA Steaua currently sits fourth in the Kaufland League standings with 20 points. SCUM USV Timișoara tops the table of standings with 35 points, one point ahead of second-placed CSM Știința Baia Mare. CS Dinamo București are tied with CSM Știința on points.
CSA Steaua, established on June 7, 1947, is one of the top rugby clubs in Romania.
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