Shujaa legend Dennis Ombachi reveals why he called time on rugby career

RUGBY: Shujaa legend Dennis Ombachi reveals why he called time on rugby career

Mark Kinyanjui 06:00 - 12.07.2023

Omachi has since become an internet sensation, making a name for himself as "the roaming chef"

Former Shujaa player and current internet sensation Dennis Ombachi has finally revealed the real reason he retired from professional rugby in 2021.

Ombachi, who was an integral part of Kenya Shujaa for the better part of the 2010s has not played rugby ever since the Covid Pandemic negatively impacted world rugby globally, before deciding to take to social media to showcase his other incredible skills as a “roaming chef” and “a part time carpenter.”

Speaking in an interview with SemaBox TV, Ombachi revealed that the reason he decided to hang up his boots was not physically related, as he can still step out on a rugby pitch having recovered from a gruesome ankle and leg injuries he suffered in 2016.

“I retired quite unceremoniously because physically, I was still able to play,” he said, “ It was straight after the pandemic and the union was struggling with sponsorship,” he added.

“The salaries were not sustainable and I had two kids. We sat down with my partner and gave it marks and we decided- for you (Ombachi) to continue playing rugby,you need to bring a certain amount of money on the table and that is how you can sustain the family and the kids not just for now, but for the future-.

“The decision was purely financial because I thought, - okay, I have been playing this game for slightly over a decade and it is time to start transitioning to a new phase of life-.

“A new source of income, a sustainable one. That is how I decided to make that decision which was not easy. Sometimes, I still feel like playing but I know that curtain is now closed. My decision was purely financial because I had to take care of my family.

“It was a tough one, but so far so good.”

Aside from being an internet sensation, Ombachi has actively spent his time championing mental health awareness.

It is well documented now that he suffers from bipolar disorder and nearly committed suicide after going through depression, but therapy sessions and medication have helped him get over his condition.

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