When Knight Otuoma spoke to Mozzart Sport during the 2026 Safari 7s, emotions got the better of her.Tears rolled down her face as she reflected on a journey that had taken her from playing rugby in Kisumu to earning the opportunity to coach Kenya’s U18 girls’ team at the Dakar Youth Olympics.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsIt was a moment that brought together years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief in a dream that had once seemed distant.“What would you tell your younger self?” I asked.“Keep working hard, remain disciplined, and never stop believing in yourself. If you stay committed to your goals, you will continue climbing the ladder,” she responded.Those words perhaps best capture Otuoma’s journey in a sport where she has had to consistently prove herself, first as a player and now as a coach.On Tuesday, 3 November, her journey reached another remarkable milestone when she guided the Junior Lionesses to a historic gold medal at the Dakar Youth Olympics. The victory made the Kenyan side the first team from the country to win an Olympic-level gold medal in a team sport.Dakar Olympics: Mighty Kenya claim gold after massive upset against AustraliaFrom Kisumu to the national teamA Kisumu girl, Otuoma's introduction to rugby came through a friend who played both rugby and kabaddi.“I joined the game after a friend who played both rugby and kabaddi introduced me to the sport,” she recalled.She began her rugby journey at Suburbs Women's Rugby before joining Kisumu Dolphins. Her time in Kisumu was particularly important in shaping her character and approach to the game.At Kisumu RFC, she was the only woman on the team and often had to train alongside the men.It was not the easiest environment, but rather than allow the experience to discourage her, Otuoma embraced the challenge. She continued working on her game, determined to earn her place in a sport that was still growing among women.##NAJAVA_MECA_10090427##Her journey eventually brought her back to Nairobi, where she joined Impala RFC. There, she established herself as a forward and hooker.Her determination eventually earned her a place in the Kenya Lionesses squad, making her international debut in June 2019 during the Elgon Cup.Coming off the bench, Otuoma earned her first cap in national colours, opening a new chapter in her playing career.Over the years, she became an important member of the national setup. She reached her 29th international appearance during the 2025 Women's Africa Cup, marking the occasion with two tries against Madagascar and South Africa.For a hooker whose responsibilities often revolve around set pieces, defensive work and the physical exchanges in the tight areas, scoring her first international tries after years of service was a special reward.A captain and a history-makerOtuoma's playing career was not only defined by the number of appearances she made but also by the leadership responsibilities entrusted to her.In 2023, she captained the first-ever Kenya Lionesses XVs team at the inaugural World Rugby WXV3 tournament in Dubai.It was a significant moment for both Otuoma and Kenyan women's rugby, as the Lionesses stepped onto a new global platform to compete against some of the world's established rugby nations.“Captaining Kenya during the inaugural WXV3 tournament in Dubai was a defining moment in my rugby career. As captain, I learned what it means to carry national expectations, build team unity, and compete under pressure,” she said.The experience gave her valuable lessons in leadership, responsibility, and managing a team in demanding situations.Understanding rugby’s hip-drop tackle ban and its impact on the gameHaving experienced rugby from the playing field, Otuoma developed a passion for ensuring that young players, particularly girls, had opportunities to enjoy and progress in the sport.Her transition into coaching was driven by a desire to give back to a game that had given her so much.She wanted to pass on the values she had acquired throughout her playing career while creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents.That commitment saw her become part of the coaching setup at DBA Wazi Wazi Rugby Academy in Nairobi, where she worked with young boys and girls being introduced to the game.As a DBA Africa Under-13 coach, she continued to invest in grassroots rugby, helping young players develop their skills while understanding the discipline, teamwork and resilience required to succeed.Her contribution to the sport also goes beyond coaching.Otuoma holds a World Rugby Level 2 Fifteens Coaching Certification, a Level 1 Refereeing Certification and a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning qualification.She is also a familiar face in the Nationwide League as a referee and has served as an assistant referee in Kenya Cup fixtures.Chajira returns as Lionesses name squad for Africa Women’s 7sThe mentors behind her journeyWhile Otuoma has worked hard to build her career, she was quick to acknowledge the people who have helped shape her into the coach she is today.She credited the late Felix 'Ade' Oloo, Dennis Mwanja, Malik Ndemi, Mitch Ocholla and Simon Odongo for playing important roles in her development.“I feel incredibly happy and grateful for the opportunity to coach these young athletes at such a big stage. It is a privilege, and I would encourage everyone to never stop dreaming. I dedicate this milestone to all the coaches who have guided me throughout my journey, from the late Ade to Mitch Ocholla, Coach Malik, Dennis Mwanja, and Coach Simon. They have all played a role in shaping the coach I am today,” she said.