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Name: Allan Wetende Wang:[PHOTO: COURTESY]
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.
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.”
