Shock as Taabu passes on: Tribute One of Kenya’s greatest sons whose middle name was hardwork

 

sammy taabu

He was a member of Kenya’s golden generation and his former teammates yet to come to terms with the sad news of his demise.

News that the grim ripper claimed Salim Taabu, a member of Harambee Stars golden generation jolted me just as it did his former teammates.

As the football world tries to come terms with his sudden demise, I can’t help but reflect on the profound effect this member of the golden generation has had on my life like many other sporting icons in Kenya.

Under coach Marshal Mulwa, who has now returned home after long stay in Arabia, Taabu became a constant feature in the team that every Kenyan who followed Harambee Stars would reel out the starting line up off the top of their heads.

Then he was known as Sammy Taabu, but changed to Salim when he converted to Islam at the end of his playing career.

Such was Mulwa’s consistent line up that one evening while waiting for supper with my siblings, I dozed off and dreamt I was commentating one of Harambee Stars matches.

When mum woke me up, she marvelled at how I had mouthed the whole line up including one called Taabu.

His artistry and the collective exploits of the team would become the star that guided me to my role at Sports Desk at the Standard.

Although Mahmoud Abbas, the goalkeeper of that era rejects the golden generation tag, to many Kenyans who hold the memories of the epic Cecafa Senior Challenge final in 1982, the label is just a token appreciation of their exploits.

“May his soul rest in peace,” said Abbas who eulogised Taabu as one of the greatest sons of Kenya.

In that era, Taabu was what Victor Wanyama is today in Harambee Stars — the deep lying midfielder and exponent of steel, power and resoluteness in breaking up opponents’ attacks.

Taabu’s passing on Friday night brings to no less than nine the number of those departed gallant stars such as Jack Sihul, Haggai Mirikau, Paul Obota, Hussein Kheri, Jared Ingutia, Charles Ouma ‘Jacaranda’, Nahashon Mahila, goalkeeper Abeid Mjumbe and Sammy Onyango ‘Jogoo’.

Among Peter Otieno ‘Bassanga’, Josphat Murila ‘Controller’, Elly Adero, John ‘Bobby’ Ogolla, Ambrose Ayoyi ‘Golden Boy’, JJ Masiga, Wilberforce Mulamba.

Just like the generation of Kipchoge Keino, the 1980-1985 Harambee Stars has had a profound influence on Kenya’s sports and especially youngsters growing up during that time.

 

ders and was a star during his hey days in the early 90’s.