Allan Shearer strikes goals in orphans project

By Peter Atsiaya

If it was four years ago, Kenyan fans of the British Premier League would be looking out for the next fixture in which former Newcastle striker Allan Shearer might feature in.

However, during the weekend, fans of the former dazzling dribbler might have caught up with him in Kisumu where he made a silent visit for a charity event.

A flood of goals was not on the mind of the former English Captain who caused a stir as he stood on the balcony of his hotel in Kisumu. Top on his line-up of projects was the small Kochongo village in flood-prone Nyando District, 30 kilometres from Kisumu town, where he intended to show how to score goals against the ravages of HIV and Aids.

Shearer makes a pass at Kochongo village, Nyando District [PHOTOS: JAMES KEYI/STANDARD]

The celebrity was visiting an orphans project supported by the UK-based NGO, Comic Relief and the Omega Foundation.

Shearer, accompanied by his manager Simon Bayliff, was invited to visit orphans’ projects in the area by Director of Omega Foundation Dr Joshua Oron.

In his footballing days, the only moments when Shearer was seen to lose his smile was when Newcastle lost. The same grim look came over his face when he came face to face with the stark reality of the effects of HIV/Aids and orphans in the district.

Pathetic situation

Shearer was touched by the pathetic situation of the orphans and vulnerable children and HIV/Aids sufferers and took time to share their experiences.

It was the pair of Robert Ouko, 16 and his younger brother David Odhiambo, 10, whose parents died of HIV/Aids seven years ago that touched the heart of Shearer. The Disi Primary School pupils narrated to the footballer how they were surviving under God’s mercy.

"I am impressed with the spirit of these orphans, I am really touched that they have not given up in life despite the difficulties they face," said Shearer.

"Not everyone is fortunate and the heart of giving to unfortunate ones is there in me," he added.

Shearer joined orphans in a football match dubbed ‘Manchester United versus Newcastle’ duel where he showed his skills and mastery of the game on a dusty, hard pitch.

The former Newcastle coach braved the scorching sun and played for 90 minutes for the Newcastle team that won 4-1.

Comic Relief marketing manager Mark Woods said they have raised money in the UK to fund such programmes in several countries in Africa including Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda among others.

Raise money

"We use celebrities like Shearer to raise money from the FA Premier League and other individuals to fund programmes that give a lifeline to such unfortunate children," he explained.

Orphaned brothers Robert Ouko, right and David Odhiambo chat with the soccer icon Allan Shearer outside their home in Nyando.

Oron said Comic Relief in conjunction with Widows and Orphans International supported Omega Foundation programmes to the tune of Sh240 million for five years.

"Out of this money more than Sh60 million was raised from the FA Premier League," he explained.

He said Orphans, people living HIV and Aids, vulnerable children and grandmothers looking after orphans benefited from the programme in Nyakach, Nyando, Muhoroni and Kisumu East districts.

On Kenyan football, Shearer said he only knows of Inter Milan’s new signing MacDonald Mariga.

Asked if he new of French side Auxierre’s striker Dennis Oliech, Shearer responded:

"I have not heard of him, now that you have told me about him I will make an effort of knowing him," he said.

He added that Kenya has the talent and potential to produce footballers who can go places but noted the country lacks structures to identify and develop such talent at the grassroots level.

"I read in your papers about wrangles between football administrators in Kenya. The country should forget making any impact in football if the sports administrators are not

focused," he added.

Shearer pointed out that his visit has made him develop interest in the country.

He said he was looking forward to returning for a visit to Nyando District in future.

 

Read all about: British Premier League Newcastle Comic Relief Omega Foundation

 

 

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