By GILBERT WANDERA
Mathare United midfielder Simon Mulama is on a mission to give back to the sport that has turned around his life.
The midfielder, an elder brother to international Titus Mulama has been appointed head coach of a huge contingent of Ujuzi team that will travel to Spain for an international tournament in April.
Ujuzi will enter four teams Under-10, U-12, U-14 and U-16 to take part in the Costa Daurada –Salou tournament to be played in Barcelona from April 19 to April 26.
"This is our third time to feature in the tournament and we have learnt a lot in previous editions putting us in good stead to do well," said Mulama as he took the players through their paces at Parklands Sports Club.
He praised most of the players in training saying they have shown great discipline and were determined to do well in their different categories.
Foregone conclusion
Mulama said the fact that they will play some of their previous opponents gives them confidence in this year’s edition.
Mulama said he is excited to be giving back to the Academy just as he had been mentored by well-known players he had looked up to as he grew up desiring to play football.
"I grew up looking up to some players and I’m glad I can give back to up-coming players who want to emulate my experience," he added.
For 15 year-old Kevin Owiti training under Mulama is like a dream come true.
Owiti, a student at Laiser Hill School, says: "It is great to learn from a famous player like Mulama. He is teaching us a lot of things and we are getting better by the day."
Owiti sayas he hopes to lead his under-16 side to lift the trophy in Spain and have put in enough training to make sure that happens.
"We are training well and hope that if we do well in Spain so that we can attract scouts from big clubs," he said.
It is the third time Ujuzi are visiting Spain for the annual youth tournament.
