I watched the semi finals of the UEFA Champions’ League with so much pride.
It was a moment of joy for Kenya when the Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama guided Tottenham to the finals of the world’s most coveted club competition by beating Dutch side, Ajax Amsterdam.
This came just a day after another Kenyan–with Belgian citizenship- Divork Origi sensationally scored twice to help Liverpool crush Barcelona and make it to the finals.
This came just a day after another Kenyan–with Belgian citizenship- Divork Origi sensationally scored twice to help Liverpool crush Barcelona and make it to the finals.
It will be history in the making when the two sides face off in the finals in Madrid. I take great pride in seeing the development of the two players and what they have achieved.
First, Victor Wanyama comes from a footballing family, his father Noah having played for AFC Leopards and Kenya. Personally, I have played a role in encouraging Wanyama to soar higher in his career and lift Kenyas flag higher at all times.
When I was President of Football Kenya Federation, I would converse with Victor so often and would tell me his ambition to win titles in England. He finally has the opportunity to emulate his elder brother MacDonald Mariga who also won the Champions League trophy with Inter Milan.
For Origi, he may not be a Kenyan international but he has his roots in Kenya and calls Kenya his home despite playing for Belgium.
Origi’s dad Mike Okoth is perhaps one of the best striker Kenya has ever produced. It should be noted Okoth scored twice when Kenya beat Burkina Faso in 1997 scoring the first and the fourth goals. His son has repeated the same fete albeit at a different stage scoring for Liverpool the first and fourth.
Okoth started his career in Shabana as a goalkeeper but ended up becoming a lethal striker for club and country. When I was secretary general for the Federation in 1996, I ensured Okoth was included in the national team by coach Reinhardt Fabisch and Okoth never disappointed.
His son has repeated the same fete albeit at a different stage scoring for Liverpool the first and fourth.
Okoth started his career in Shabana as a goalkeeper but ended up becoming a lethal striker for club and country. When I was secretary general for the Federation in 1996, I ensured Okoth was included in the national team by coach Reinhardt Fabisch and Okoth never disappointed.
As we wait with bated breaths for the finals of the Champions League, it will be a great and special moment for Kenya. There are those who will root for Wanyama and those who will root for Origi. I will root for Kenya. A win for any of the players is a win for Kenyan football and I pride to have associated with the two great players.
I will root for Kenya. A win for any of the players is a win for Kenyan football and I pride to have associated with the two great players.
PHOTO/COURTESY
