Harambee Stars Defender Reveals Reason for Career Switch from Rugby to Football

Harambee Stars defender Daniel is one of the most assured players whether he dons the club or national team colours.

Sakari, who was first called up to the Kenya national football team in November 2019, has had a stellar career with former Champions Tusker and the marauding right back is the first name on the team sheet at title-chasing Police FC.

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Before he became a go-to player for Harambee Stars backline, Daniel Sakari was renowned for darting down the wings in a rugby jersey.

In an interview with Mozzart sports, the former Kariobangi Sharks defender explained how friends played a crucial role in him finding a niche in football.

“My friends and the people who were around me inspired my transition from football to rugby. Most of the guys I associated with were footballers, so I naturally shifted,” the tough-tackling defender said.

The Maseno School alumnus played rugby at campus level, turning out for Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Western Kenya.

Due to the proximity of Bukhungu Stadium, his transition was even simpler owing to the school boasting a competitive football program.

While Sakari has become undroppable, the ball-playing defender revealed his initial position. “When I transitioned to football, I started with the forwards. What made me shift to defense was where I started playing; the forwards were very good. So, I moved back and settled for defense."

While he holds no hard feelings about career switch, he observed that he would still have succeeded in rugby.

“If I were still playing rugby, I am confident I would be somewhere because I was very ambitious with the game. My elder brother always inspired me to push harder. He loves rugby and played it while in high school,” he disclosed.

Sakari 26, used the Green Commandos as a stepping stone to playing in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

Sakari joined Kakamega Homeboyz in late 2018 before signing with Kariobangi Sharks in 2019.

He won the title with Tusker in the 2022-23 season and was one of the experienced players in the dressing room.

At Kenya Police now, Sakari has anchored the law enforcers to second position on the log in their quest for a maiden FKFPL title.