THE FUTURE: GIVING HOPE TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH FOOTBALL
An uneven dusty ground dotted with rocks and small hills is the sight that welcomes us
at Lucky Summer grounds. It is here that the hopes of very many young boys lay. Over
30 teams converge to take part in the annual Mng’aro Mtaani football Tournament.
The tournament is the brainchild of philanthropist Sam Omoll who was born and bred
at baba dogo. His wish is to see the future of these young children secured.
They say that an idol mind is the devils workshop. This is what informed … to set the
one week long tournament during school holidays
‘’ So many children have died taking part in ‘maji chai’ that is taking a dive in a nearby
river that is full of dangerous affluent dumped in the river by nearby factories. Some
have drowned while some have fallen ill due to exposure to hazardous chemicals.
‘My aim is to ensure that the kids have something to do that is fun and safe’’ said Omoll
‘’ The tournament is a relief. As parents we used to worry all the time. At least when
they are in school we are guaranteed of their safety, but when on holiday we keep on
wondering where they are, with who and doing what’’ Said Anne a parent
It is very easy to see why the tournament is a fresh of breath air at baba dogo. For a long
time this particular neighbourhood has been known for ills such as drug abuse, and high
crime rate. Omoll hopes that his contribution will give the children an alternative and a
bright future.
The children love football not only that they know it can easily be their way out of
poverty. One of Kenya’s renowned footballer Michael Olunga played in this dirty
grounds. It is a fact that serves as a great motivation for the young boys.
‘Olunga played here and made it, Marcelo is also abroad playing, Teddy Akumu is not
only in the national team but also plays internationally. This is clear testimony that
there is talent in baba dogo and if natured well, this kids can be the Olunga’s of
tomorrow.’’
Omoll started his philanthropy by distributing clothes to the less fortunate in his
Community through the Mng’aaro Mtaani Initiative. He later saw a gap that needed to be
filled. The gap aligned well with what he loves the most-football. And that is how the
tournament was born. When not managing the tournament or distributing cloths to the
less fortunate, Omoll is busy on weekends analysing football in local television and
radio stations.
As the World heals from covid-19 crisis Omoll will as well be remembered for
distributing food to the less fortunate in the society. Torrres as they love to call him, has
also ventured in to politics hoping to one day represent his community and bring the
much changes needed.
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