The Try Again Project is a youth empowerment initiative founded by Cabral Jaoko and Erick Odire, long-time friends brought together by their shared love for rugby and community.
Living in Kabete, the two often reminisced about their school rugby days and began looking for a local club where they could play and reconnect through the sport, but there was none. What started as an idea to revive old memories soon evolved into something deeper: a chance to create meaning and impact through the game they love.
They noticed a gap in their community, few structured sports programmes or mentorship spaces for children and youth. Drawing on their own experiences of how rugby had shaped their discipline, confidence, and teamwork since high school, where they were teammates, they decided to start a movement that would pass those same values on to the next generation.
Born from the belief that “failing is not the end, it is a chance to try again,” The Try Again Project now uses rugby as a tool to inspire resilience, discipline, and growth in young people — helping them succeed both on the pitch and beyond.
Our mission is to turn the rugby pitch into a classroom for life, teaching discipline, teamwork, and respect while providing mentorship and pathways for holistic development.
We envision a thriving, values-driven rugby community in Lower Kabete where young people, regardless of their background, find belonging, purpose, and opportunity through the game.
MEET THE TEAM
Cabral is a co-founder of The Try Again Project and a trained psychologist with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Nairobi. He is pursuing his World Rugby Level 1 Coaching Certification to deepen his impact as a mentor and coach.
A proud Maseno School alumnus and former KSSSA Rugby 7s National Champion (2011), Cabral combines his background in psychology and sport to guide young players in building discipline, resilience, and strong character, using rugby as a platform for personal growth and lifelong values.
Erick is a co-founder of The Try Again Project and serves as the GIS Lead at Sustain EA. He holds a Master’s in Environment & Natural Resources Management and is a former captain of the Moi University Arsonists Rugby Team, where he also earned his undergraduate degree.
Having experienced firsthand the discipline, teamwork, and confidence that rugby builds, Erick is passionate about using the sport to empower youth and create opportunities, especially for young women and at-risk communities. His leadership blends mentorship, skill-building, and personal growth to help the next generation thrive on and off the field.
Amos is a professional accountant and audit officer pursuing his CPA-K. A World Rugby Level II (15s) coach awaiting accreditation, he currently leads Kiambu High School Rugby, where he’s guided the team back to the Prescott Cup and the 2023 KSSSA National Sevens Championship.
Driven by passion and purpose, Amos believes rugby is more than a sport — “It’s a school of life whose lessons I now pass on to the next generation.”
Ryan is a rising rugby coach and player who developed his game at Mang’u High School, where he featured in the 2024 Nationals 15s Championship. He is currently pursuing a degree in Statistics and Programming at Kenyatta University and plays for Blak Blad Rugby in Kenya’s top-flight league.
Passionate about nurturing young talent, Ryan focuses on teaching both rugby skills and essential life values, helping youth grow in confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
Doreen is an Environmental and Natural Resource Management Specialist with experience across East Africa. A Certified ILO–SIYB Trainer, she blends conservation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods to create impact. Passionate about youth empowerment, she uses rugby as a platform to nurture discipline, teamwork, and leadership among children.
Fabian serves as the Operations and Partnerships Lead, and also doubles as a football coach, currently finalizing his certification. He is deeply passionate about using sport to create safe and supportive spaces for rehabilitated boys and girls as they rebuild their confidence and reintegrate into society.
Working closely with our boys’ program at the Getathuru Assessment Centre, Fabian coaches emerging talent while strengthening partnerships with individuals and organizations that share our vision. His approach is rooted in empathy, teamwork, and the belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to try again and to thrive.