Star transforming lives, one kid at a time
Harambee Stars midfielder Johanna Omolo may not always be at home due to his tight schedule in Turkey where he plies his trade, but the footballer-cum-philanthropist has won himself a host of admirers.
Omolo, who was born and brought up in Dandora in Nairobi and attended Tom Mboya Primary, has long considered it his duty to mould young players into future stars. It is this deliberate benevolence, through the Johanna Omolo Foundation, that has seen Dandora churn out great players who would later turn out for Kenyan top league teams.
According to Godfrey Okoti, the chairman of the foundation, among the products of this noble project include former Gor Mahia trio of Solomon Nasio, Jerry Santos and Andrew Juma who is now in the books of Bandari FC.
Social ills
Speaking recently during an age-group tournament at City Stadium, Okoti said the venture was informed by Omolo’s desire to provide to the youth essential facilities besides offering them a platform to realise their football talents. “The age-group academy was mooted to give children of Dandora a conducive atmosphere to hone their skills,” said Okoti after the conclusion of the event which majorly featured secondary school students from the estate.
The academy which has partnered with Angaza Sports Development was steadfast in jumpstarting the age-group project to keep off youth in Dandora from social ills including drug abuse and teenage pregnancy.
The foundation not only nurtures sports talent but also educates several students, some of whom are now in tertiary institutions.
