From JJ Masiga to Mike Okoth: Footballers who became golf, rugby, tennis and squash players

Former Kenyan International Mike Okoth with his son Divock Origi at a restaurant in France. Looking on is Kenyan Keeper Arnold Origi [photo courtesy]

Few sports people are able to juggle different disciplines. Kenyan footballers for instance tend to stick to only soccer, with the exception of JJ Masiga who played both soccer and rugby at the national level.

Most seem to change positions within the same sport. Like Mike Okoth, father to Divock Origi of AC Milan in the Italian Serie A. Mike was a formidable goalkeeper for Itierio High School and Shabana FC, then a top-division soccer club in the Kenyan league. He did an about-turn by leaving the Kisii-based club to join Kenya Breweries as a central striker-an anti-climax to many soccer fans who did not know his other talent.

Lead position
Mike quickly took over the striking role at the brewers. Shortly after, he became a top-notch striker for Harambee Stars when he inherited the lead position from Peter Dawo. It is no wonder that his son Divock Origi is also a central striker at Liverpool.