Arnold Agonda, son of the late Harambee Stars midfielder Lukio Agonda, is carving out his own sporting journey in rugby, despite growing up inspired by his father’s exploits on the football pitch.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Daystar Falcons ace was part of the Kenya Morans squad that represented the country at the Safari 7s in Nairobi, marking another milestone in his promising rugby career.Although his father made a name for himself in football, Arnold initially dreamed of following in his footsteps before eventually choosing a different sporting path.Amonde reveals 4 key factors behind KCB’s Floodies semis return after two yearsHe joined Musingu High School, where he dreamt of playing for the Scorpions, but his dreams faded shortly after due to the high competition in the team.That is when his dorm mate and current Kenya Sevens fly half, Nygel Amaitsa, influenced him to join rugby.“My dad, the late Lukio Agonda, played for the national team, Harambee Stars, as a number nine. I remember him telling me stories about how the team travelled to Tanzania for a tournament, where he scored a goal. ##NAJAVA_MECA_10036273##When they returned, he was invited to State House, where he shook President Jomo Kenyatta’s hand.He was very proud of that achievement, and hearing his stories inspired me. I wanted to play football just like him, but I eventually chose a different path,” Arnold told Mozzart Sport.Instead of pursuing football, Arnold turned to rugby, a decision he says he has no regrets about as he continues to make strides in the game.Lawi Buyachi on pressures of succeeding Gibson Weru at Menengai Oilers' after a decade“I chose rugby, and so far, so good. I am enjoying the game, things are working out well, and I am grateful to God,” he said.Arnold’s progress has been evident in his performances for Daystar Falcons, where he has established himself as a promising player.He was part of the Falcons side that finished fourth in the National 7s Circuit, an impressive campaign that helped put him on the radar of national team selectors.##NAJAVA_MECA_10036292##His performances earned him a call-up to the Kenya Morans, the national men’s sevens development side.Arnold subsequently featured in the squad that won the Africa Men’s 7s title in Mauritius before helping the Morans finish runners-up at the Safari 7s in Nairobi.The achievements represent significant progress for the young player, who is now focused on building on his early successes and pushing towards the highest levels of the game.Former Kenya Sevens star Biko Adema lands coaching job in Qatar“I believe the future is bright. If I continue stepping out of my comfort zone, challenging myself and pushing my limits, I believe I can reach the highest levels of the game,” he added.While Arnold has chosen a different sport, his father’s achievements remain a source of inspiration as he charts his own path in Kenyan sport.Lukio Agonda was one of Kenya’s celebrated footballers of the 1970s, representing clubs including Luo Union and Gor Mahia, as well as the national team, Harambee Stars.##NAJAVA_MECA_10036278##He was instrumental in Luo Union’s success at the East and Central Africa Club Championships, helping the Kisumu-based side win consecutive titles in 1976 and 1977. He also finished as the competition’s top scorer in 1977.At international level, Lukio featured for Harambee Stars during a distinguished career that included Kenya’s famous 3-1 victory over Egypt in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at City Stadium in 1980.His contributions to Kenyan football earned him recognition, including a personal reward from then President Jomo Kenyatta.KCB RFC forward reveals how France stint has helped refine his gameLukio passed away in March 2025, aged 72, leaving behind a legacy in Kenyan football that continues to inspire the next generation.For Arnold, however, the goal is to build a legacy of his own in rugby while remaining grateful to those who have supported him along the way.The Daystar Falcons player has now set his sights on joining Kenya Harlequins after school as he seeks to continue developing his game and competing at a higher level.##NAJAVA_MECA_10036251##“Locally, I would love to play for Kenya Harlequins. It is a great team, and representing Quins would be something I would really look forward to,” he said.
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