Kenya’s brilliant players

Juggling football, academics and full time employment is tricky for most footballers.

At times, footballers have to move their lessons to accommodate their training schedules as well as travels for away matches, hence hurting their relationship with either their employers or lecturers.

Doing this while traveling to match venues adds an even more complicated piece to the puzzle as they try to combine education and employment to their playing career.

However, a few players in the SportPesa Premier League have beaten the odds to join the likes of Derby County’s coach Frank Lampard, Manchester United’s duo of Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku, Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet, Brazil’s Socrates and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini in the world of academia.

For years, the intelligence of local players had been questioned as many regarded football as a career for academically challenged individuals.

But that’s just not the case with this lot as smart guys such as Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz), Michael Olunga (Japan), Duncan Otieno (AFC Leopards), Brian Osumba (Tusker), Jerry Santo (Posta Rangers), Chris Ochieng’ (Mathare United), Dennis Gicheru (KCB) and Bernard Wanguche (Zoo Kericho) just to mention a few are worth celebrating.

These players are following in the footsteps of Dr JJ Masiga, Dr William Obwaka and Dr Dan Shikanda by perfectly balancing studies and the demanding soccer career.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Name: Allan Wetende Wanga

Current club: Kakamega Homeboyz (Kakamega County Sports Director)

Position: Striker

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Fourth year)

Name: Brian Osumba

Current club: Tusker

College: University of Nairobi and Strathmore University

Name: Eliud Lokuwam 

Club: Gor Mahia

Position: Striker 

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Economic Finance (Third year)

College/University: Kenyatta University

“Proper planning and dedication is needed to succeed in both.”

Name: Bernard Wanguche 

Age: 30

Current club: Zoo Kericho

Position: Striker

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Education Science (Teacher at Kipchimchim Secondary School)

College/University: Maseno University

Name: Duncan Otieno

Current club: AFC Leopards

Position: Midfielder

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Public Administration-second year)

College/University: University of Nairobi

“At times programmes clash, but the good thing is that most of my classes are in the afternoon. However, time management is key.”

Name: Bernard Ochieng’

Age: 23

Current club: Vihiga United

Previous clubs: (signed directly from Ambira High school)

Position: Defender

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Education  (Fourth year)

College/University: Kenyatta University 

Name: Moses Mburu

Age: 24

Current club: AFC Leopards

Previous clubs: Mathare United, KCB

Position: Defender

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Business IT/FAA Certified Aircraft Dispatcher

College/University: JKUAT/Flamingo Air Academy (Ohio, USA)

“It was difficult to balance the two, based on the fact that I was still young and vulnerable to many things. But I thank God, I managed both of them.”

Name: Bernard Mang’oli

Age: 28

Current club: Sofapaka

Previous clubs:  JMJ Academy, AFC Leopards, Bandari

Position: Midfielder

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Community Development)

College/University: Kenyatta University.

“Education is a fall back plan to my football career.”

Name: Paul Kiongera

Age: 26

Current club: Ushuru

Previous clubs:  KCB,Gor Mahia, Simba SC, AFC Leopards

Position: Midfielder

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Sociology).

College/University: Kenyatta University

“Your success depends on how well you manage your time. Use your time wisely and it will make balancing the two much easier.”

Name: Zeka Wakoli

Age: 23

Club: Chemelil Sugar

Previous clubs: GFE 105

Position: Striker

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Sustainable Energy and Climate Change System

College/University: University of Eldoret 

Name: Felly Mulumba

Age: 32

Current club: Bandari

Previous clubs: Sofapaka, Posta Rangers, Chemin op, DCMP, S Daklo and S Dragon

Position: Defender

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Theology

College/University: Saint Louis University

“Education is important. Personally, I know I’m well covered when my football career ends.”

Name: Soita Silicho

Age: 23

Current club: Vihiga United

Previous clubs: (signed from Strathmore)

Position: Midfielder

Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Law 

College/University: Strathmore University

Name: Jerry Santo

Age: 33

Current club: Posta Rangers

Previous club: Dandora Youth, Tusker, Simba SC, Coastal Union, Gor Mahia

Position: Midfielder

Academic qualifications: Master in Sports Management and Legal Skills ISDE

College/University: Barcelona. “It is difficult if you don’t focus.”