Menengai Oilers lock Ibrahim Ayoo has explained the inspiration behind his long, thick dreadlocks, which have become a distinctive part of his identity both on and off the pitch.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsAyoo revealed that England rugby captain and lock Maro Itoje inspired his signature dreadlocks.The aggressive forward, who plays in the same position as the English star, said he drew inspiration from Itoje's playing style, prompting him to grow his dreadlocks two years ago.Kenya Sevens ace Kevin Wekesa receives prestigious award from United Nations“The dreadlocks, my babies, are two years old now. They were inspired by Maro Itoje because I love his playing style,” Ayoo told Mozzart Sport.While his long locks have become a defining feature of his appearance, Ayoo has continued to make his presence felt through his physical approach to the game, playing a key role in Menengai Oilers' recent success.The lock was part of the Oilers squad that clinched back-to-back Impala Floodlit Tournament titles in 2024 and 2025.##NAJAVA_MECA_10067087##This season, Ayoo featured as the defending champions bounced back from their quarter-final disappointment in the main cup to register a commanding 76-10 victory over Strathmore Leos in the plate semi-final, booking their place in the plate final.Despite the emphatic victory, the forward admitted that the team's campaign had not gone according to plan, having fallen short of their ambitions in the main cup competition.“It has been a good pre-season. The boys are very fit. I am also fit. Not the best from Floodies because we are playing the plate now, but we are still strong,” he said.Former Simbas captain outlines four-point plan for Kenya’s Rugby World Cup dreamAyoo also disclosed that one of his biggest challenges during the pre-season has been keeping up with the running demands of the game, despite his commitment to maintaining his fitness.“I play rugby, but I am not a fan of running, so running has been hard for me, but I am keeping up. I have also been taking more protein and less carbs,” he added.The forward's comments come as the Oilers continue their preparations for the 2026/27 Kenya Cup season, with the Impala Floodlit Tournament providing an important opportunity to assess their squad and fine-tune their performance.##NAJAVA_MECA_10066822##Their pre-season campaign has also featured a defeat to perennial rivals KCB Rugby, a result Ayoo believes should serve as a learning opportunity rather than a cause for concern.The Bankers eliminated the Oilers 31-24 in the main cup quarter-finals, denying the defending champions a chance to defend their title in the competition's premier category.However, Ayoo maintained that facing a side of KCB's calibre provides valuable lessons as the team works towards the new season.Kenya 7s speedster opens up on inaugural Ultimate 7s experience“KCB is a good side, our biggest rivals. So losing to them is not a unique thing for us; it is something for us to pull up our socks. The good thing is that it was a pre-season match, so we keep getting better and better. It is a learning process, and we keep going,” he concluded.The Oilers will face Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad in the Impala Floodlights final slated for Saturday, 24 October at the Impala Grounds.
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