Gilbert Selebwa is one of Kenya’s top footballing brains and his record of over four decades
Gilbert Selebwa is one of the most revered coaches and football commentators Kenya has ever produced.
Having coached several football clubs across the country and being one of the pioneers of the women’s league, Selebwa is proud of the contributions he has made for over four decades.
“All I can say is that I thank God for all the unnoticeable achievements I have made in football including starting the women’s football league while at the National Youth Service in 1985,” said Selebwa in an exclusive interview with People Sport.
The CAF A Licence holder, who is also in the process of enlisting for a Pro licence, is credited for reviving football giants AFC Leopards in 2009 and Shabana Football Club in 2011.
Besides reviving Ingwe and Tore Bobe, Selebwa is also the mastermind behind the structures and a playing culture at Jets Football Club in the 2019/20 season.
Selebwa’s factor has seen the Nyamira-based club maintain their unbeaten run in the Football Kenya Federation Division Two League.
“I am currently laying structures at another Division Two club in Siaya called Black Diamonds.
“I am proud to say that all these teams are performing well including Shabana whom I tip to win the National Super League this season and qualify for Kenyan premier league next season.
AFC Leopards are also doing well and are in contention for the premiership Title.
“ Jets FC and the Black Diamonds are also in contention for qualification to Division One next season. So, you can say everything that I put my hands on, turns into Gold,” a proud Selebwa added.
“In 1985 when I was at the National youth service in Nairobi, we went ahead to form women’s teams in all the youth service units and played exhibition matches.
“That’s how women football started,” Selebwa revealed how they engineered the establishment of women football in the country.
Selebwa is hopeful that his work in transforming both Jets and Black Diamonds into big clubs in the country will bear fruits as he continues to make an impact in the football cycles in this country.
“I still have influence at Jets. Both owners of the teams have the same vision.
Since I have a very good coach on the ground for the Jets, I am also laying ground for Black Diamonds who are playing in the same league but in different zones.
“It will be my pride to see both teams qualify to the Division One,” says the tactician.
