The Remarkable Rise of Andy Cole Omollo

At DBA Africa, we believe that the right partnership can turn a spark of talent into a global flame. For the past two years, our collaboration with WaziWazi has been the cornerstone of our mission to redefine the sporting landscape in Kenya. Together, we have focused on a singular pivot, youth development. By creating a safe, professional, and trustworthy environment, we ensure that every young athlete who enters our programmes isn't just playing a game, they are embarking on a life-changing journey with double return.

Today, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the latest milestone in this mission, Andy Cole Omollo’s move to Tenri University in Japan on a full sports scholarship.

The Power of Collaboration

WaziWazi has been the primary supporter of our Nairobi Academy, fueling our efforts in talent identification and elite training. Central to this success is the tireless work of Chiaki Hoshino, WaziWazi’s representative, who has dedicated himself to building reliable sporting pathways for Kenyan athletes.

WaziWazi’s partnership with Embu School has been a critical piece of this puzzle, providing a local foundation where DBA academy athletes can pursue their studies while honing their sporting skills. However, for athletes like Andy, the horizon has now extended far beyond East Africa.

A Standout Journey: Identifying a Star

Andy Cole Omollo first emerged as a standout talent in 2022, his first year with Kenya U20 Chipu. His rise was outstanding and by 2025 he Captained Chipu and got a call up to earn his stripes with the senior national squad.  It was this year that Chiaki reached out to DBA to help find a top student athlete for an international sports scholarship opportunity at Tenri University.  It had Andy’s name all over it.

Tenri University, a prestigious sporting institution in Japan, took a keen interest having seen his footage. They didn't just see a powerful rugby player, they saw an athlete with the technical proficiency and "Rugby DNA" required to thrive in the highly disciplined Japanese rugby system.

The Trial of a Lifetime

Last August, the dream began to take physical shape. Andy flew to Japan for a high-stakes trial. On the pitch, he was a revelation. While his size was an immediate advantage, it was his technical skill and rugby intelligence that left the Japanese coaching staff impressed. He wasn't just a participant, he was a standout.

Following that successful stint, his placement was fully confirmed. This past weekend, the KCB, WaziWazi and DBA families gathered to bid Andy farewell as he officially departed for Japan to begin his new chapter… maybe bittersweet for KCb with their Kenya Cup semifinal fast approaching.

A Pathway for Athletes and Coaches Alike

The impact of WaziWazi extends beyond player placements. Our partnership is built on a holistic view of the game, which includes elevating the standard of coaching. Earlier in our collaboration, Wazi Wazi facilitated a high-level coaching exchange for Patrice Agunda, providing him the opportunity to study coaching proficiency in Japan alongside top-tier managers.

This exchange of knowledge ensures that the "Japan way" and global best practices flow back into our academies in Kenya, benefiting every child in our system. Later in the same year Agunda was selected as the head coach of Kenya Harlequins.

The Future of the Partnership

As Andy settles into his new life on Japanese soil, he carries the hopes of every young athlete in East Africa. His story is a testament to what is possible when vision meets investment. We are deeply grateful to Wazi Wazi for their unwavering support and look forward to extending these world-class opportunities to more worthy children across the region.