Emerging star

By Erick Ochieng’ Feverpitch Reporter

When Harambee Stars lost 1-0 to Angola away in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, one Robert Junior Mambo was as disappointed as the rest of Kenyans.

The loss put a huge dent on Kenya’s pathway to the continental premier event.

Kenya’s prayer is that Uganda, currently leading the group, may falter in their ties to increase their chances of making it to Africa’s prestigious football extravaganza.

Junior, a brother to former Harambee Stars captain Robert Mambo who plies his trade in Swedish club Dalkurd FF, is among the youths dreaming to rescue the national team some day from the endless cycle of never making any landmark qualification to continental tournaments every season.

Junior Matano Mambo in action during Copa Coca-Cola Migori County. Photo: Erick Ochieng’/Standard

Junior recently caused a stir at the Copa Coca-Cola under 17-football tournament in Migori County with his Tarang’anya High School team that left him the darling of many fans.

His spectacular moves on both sides of the pitch with unmatched ball control, juggling and formation against Isebania Boys endeared his team to the fans who craved for more. He unleashed vicious shots that put their opponent’s custodian on test and relentlessly put the opposition’s defense under pressure. Tarang’anya, however lost 2-0 to Isebania.

Tenacious approach

"I am glad I played the match with my heart out even though we lost," says 16 year-old Junior who joined Tarang’anya High School this year.

However, he is not discouraged that his tenacious approach fell just short of helping his team rise above the path of defeat.

Their last match was played against Kanyawanga Boys. Junior and his teammates had entered the field buzzing with confidence but left a disappointed lot after their hard fight resulted to a barren draw thereby granting Kanyawanga the glorious ticket to the Copa Coca-Cola provincials.

"Poor defending cost us but it has been a brilliant learning experience and I know we will bounce back stronger in next year’s Copa Coca-Cola event," said Junior.

Overcome fear

But unlike his teammates who play for nothing more than a win in a game, on the back of Junior’s mind is a load of expectations.

"All my teammates believe I am more gifted simply because (Robert) is my brother. With such expectations, I am always forced to give a little more every time I step onto the pitch," says Junior who doubles as a striker and a midfielder.

Junior’s interest in football gradually grew after he was introduced into the game by his eldest brother Robert. He credits his brother for is helping him overcome the fear of heading balls.

"I feared aerial balls but my brother saw the weakness and started training me by throwing the ball high and encouraging me to head it. I no longer have the fear and even score goals with my head."

He gives his brother another credit for supporting his football career by constantly purchasing for him kits and other training gear.

Even though he knows reaching the standards his brother has set is not easy, he believes he can rise to even beyond the likes of McDonald Mariga and Dennis Oliech.

Junior says he is privileged to have played in Copa Coca-Cola tournament this year saying that it nurtures young talent. To him, it was a lifetime experience as he came out with skills he believes will take him a step ahead in the game.

On whether he dreams of playing in the local league, Mambo said: "I like Nairobi City Stars for what they have been able to do with young players. But I know some day I’ll be able to play in the local league but the biggest challenge will be wearing Harambee Stars jersey, let alone captaining the team like my brother did."