As an alumnus of Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU), I am proud to share my testimonial and review of my experience at the university. My name is Nelson Amongol Samba, and I graduated from KAFU on 21st December 2022 with a second class honours upper division in Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management.
During my time at KAFU, I actively participated in various curricular activities, which enriched my university experience. One of my passions was running marathons, and I had the opportunity to represent the university in several athletic events. I was even awarded a certificate for my achievements. It was my love for sports that led me to discover Ultimate Frisbee, a sport that was introduced to KAFU back in 2018 by some members of the Kakamega Wolves - MMUST ultimate team.
Although KAFU did not have a dedicated Ultimate Frisbee team at the time, the Students Welfare Office played a significant role in mentoring and encouraging the sport. Inspired by this guidance, I took the initiative to recruit members and form a team. Despite facing numerous challenges, including low interest and commitment from some players, I persevered and continued my efforts.
Through personal sacrifices, both financially and in terms of time and resources, I managed to recruit a group of dedicated individuals. I led the team through rigorous training sessions, mentorship programs, and participation in various Ultimate Frisbee events. One of the most unique and attractive aspects of the sport is its ability to foster discipline, integrity, honesty, and teamwork, as it is self-officiated.
Through hard work, passion, and sacrifice, our team, known as Tropical Rangers, grew to become the best Ultimate Frisbee club in Kenya. Although we initially struggled in competitions during our early years, we began to dominate in 2021 after the pandemic hiatus. Since then, we have participated in 13 tournaments, both on sand and grass, and emerged victorious in 9 of them, reaching the finals 11 times. We consistently performed well, reaching quarters and above in all competitions.
Our victories include prestigious tournaments such as Nationals 2021 in Eldoret, Lavgut in Kisumu, and Crying Stone in Kakamega. Furthermore, we have won all WEKUSA tournaments since 2021. At a personal level, I am proud to have been scouted multiple times to join some of Kenya's best clubs in international competitions held in Rwanda, Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa. I have represented these teams in various finals and helped them secure trophies. Additionally, several members of the Tropical Rangers have been called up to the national team rosters to represent Kenya internationally.
With the tremendous growth and success of Tropical Rangers, the club now has the university section and the club section, due to the increased number of interested players. Currently, the team comprises approximately 40 students and 20 non-students, totaling 60 members. The non-student players actively participate in leagues with clubs in Nairobi and Kisumu. I am confident that the Rangers' KAFU team will continue to dominate these competitions, as we have instilled in our remaining leaders the values of growth and adaptability in the ever-changing world of sports. The future of Tropical Rangers is clear, and we are poised to maintain our dominance.
Through my dedication and passion for Ultimate Frisbee, I have achieved an incredible milestone in my journey. I am thrilled to announce that I have been awarded an athletic scholarship to Denver University in Michigan, where I will be furthering my academic and sporting endeavors starting in August.
This opportunity is a testament to the hard work and commitment I have poured into the sport, and it would not have been possible without the foundation laid at Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU). The support and mentorship I received from my coaches, teammates, and the university as a whole have played a pivotal role in shaping my athletic career.
I am immensely grateful to KAFU for providing me with a platform to develop my skills and nurture my love for Ultimate Frisbee. It is through the countless hours of training, the camaraderie within the Tropical Rangers, and the invaluable life lessons learned on and off the field that I stand here today, ready to embark on this new chapter.
Photo/Courtesy.