Football fans, stars assist Ojwang' pay medical costs

Former Scarlet FC winger George Ojwang (left) with his wife Margaret Atieno at his home. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Retired and active footballers raised money to clear the medical bill of former Harambee Stars winger George 'Jojo' Ojwang, who has heart problems.

The move comes even as the Government disbursed Sh21 million to 2,199 players and technical officials from 83 teams.

That's part of Sh54 million from Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund to help sports persons to beat Covid-19 challenges.

Ojwang' played for Scarlet FC in the 1980s alongside internationals Ambrose 'Golden Boy' Ayoyi, the late Jack Sihul, Elijah Koranga, goalkeeper Jack Matanguta, Charles Odero, Ridhwani Juma, Said Billo and Charles Odero. He has been ailing for the last two years.

Prominent sports personalities, both in Kenya and abroad, raised Sh360,000 for medication. He could not get funds for a surgery in India. He requires Sh30,000 monthly for medication.

The personalities were Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi, club coaches Zedekiah 'Zico' Otieno (KCB), Robert Matano (Tusker), Salim Ali (Mathare United), Twahir Muhidin (Bandari), Dusntan Nyaudo (Ulinzi Stars technical director), James Nandwa (formerly AFC Leopards), former Kisumu Posta winger and businessman Simon Ndung'u, Washingon Muhanji and former Ulinzi Stars chairman Brigadier Juma Mwinyikai.

Others were former Football Kenya Federation Central Rift branch chairman Kefa Onditi, Canada-based Oliver Otieno and a number of referees and former players.

Yesterday, Kamau 'Kempes' appealed to football stakeholders to help Ojwang' saying.