Special Feature: How One Game Has Transformed Kariobangi Slums Forever

NAIROBI, Kenya- It is no doubt that playing and matching nine time English league champions Everton FC at MISC Kasarani last Sunday turned Kariobangi Sharks FC players into instant heroes.

Almost a week on from the historic international friendly that ended in a 1-1 draw before the 2019 SportPesa Cup champions edged the ensuing shootout 4-3, the impact of the occasion continues being felt by the Sharks faithful as the team prepares for the 2019/20 season.

During the club's homecoming on Thursday, supporters thronged the dilapidated pitch where the club was formed 19 years ago to pay homage to the players following the splendid show with the Blues that has reignited hope and served notice of local football talent.

Some took selfies with the head coach William Muluya and his players, others gave them T-shirts and other items of clothing to be autographed as others posed for photos with the specially branded team bus adorned with giant images of Geoffrey Shiveka, Patilla Omotto, Sydney Lokale and club captain Eric Juma.

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“Since I was born I have never seen something like this, especially when it is happening to people you know and grew up with,” the 22 year-old Kariobangi estate resident Geoffrey Omondi told SportPesa News.

The mechanic was at Kasarani to see Sharks create history on the day and the feeling will definitely last with him for a lifetime.

“I only support two teams, Sharks because it is my estate club and SportPesa Premier League (SPL) champions Gor Mahia FC because I was introduced to the club by my father. How I wish Gor also had such a cool bus like this one that belongs to Sharks,” Omondi added. 

Margaret Mueni Kawinzi narrated to the jubilant crowd how Sharks was birthed in her sitting room in 2000 before the idea was executed at the very dusty pitch where everyone was standing on the day to have a glimpse of the players.

Sharks striker John Kuol hands over boxes of kits to grassroots teams in Kariobangi on July 10, 2019. PHOTO/SPN

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“We had nothing then, we even contributed money to buy soap to wash the uniforms. The players used to pass by my house to eat lunch before they proceeded for their matches.

“So today I’m in tears seeing they have come back to visit me, the place and the people that it all started with,” the emotional Kawinzi narrated.

Kawinzi did not make it to the packed MISC Kasarani Stadium where a record crowd of 64,829 witnessed the historic occasion but she followed the game on television.

Famous team

“If you saw me you could think I was the one playing, I was pensive, I could not sit down. I kept cheering and shouting at the boys to score. My restlessness was quenched when Duke Abuya gave us the lead in the game,” the 45 year-old former kit manager for the team recounted.

Pauline Awuor, 35, popularly known as 'Mama Sharks' (the mother of the club) believes the side has come of age after braving the might of a famous team like Everton and they could now challenge for the SPL title.

“I urge the fans who turned up in large numbers against on Sunday not to end it there, let's carry on with the same momentum in the league,” she rallied.

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Awuor joined Sharks as a fan in 2011 after she was attracted by the 'Tiki-Taka' (short passing) football they played and does not miss any of the team's fixtures hence her exalted recognition as the mother of the team. 

One of Sharks founders, Wilson Karuma, 50, was happy to greet and hug the players as he remembered the tough journey they have walked to reach where they are today.

“I couldn’t believe that the same players I saw growing in this slum, with all odds against them in life, were in the field playing against some of the world’s best including Theo Walcott, Andre Gomez and Jonas Lossl among others.

“I was all in tears, I learnt that everything is possible in this life if you believe and work hard to achieve it. My dream now is to see part of this unit travel to Europe to play in big leagues including the Champions League,” Karuma stated.

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Karuma’s sentiments were echoed by Agrrey Omotto, father to Sharks midfielder Patillah, who told how he has taken care of his son and his friends Juma and Shiveka since childhood.

Sharks midfielder Patillah Omotto (in green) is welcomed by his father Aggrey at Kariobangi North Primary School Grounds on July 10, 2019. PHOTO/SPN

“People think they are brothers, we have lived with Shiveka  who we call Shizzo and Juma who we refer to as Omoreh as a family since they were small children because of the tight friendship they had with my son.

“It is this love that has bloomed and made them to grow and become better players and responsible adults at Sharks. I feel happy to see they still walk, talk, chat and hangout together the same way they were 20 years ago,” Aggrey declared.

Sharks players crowned their homecoming with Kits For Africa initiative where they handed boxes of sport gear to grassroots teams in the area.

The sides that received the kits included FC Legends, Legends Ladies FC, Referees FC, Future Stars FC, Mighty Coaches FC, Thika Stars FC, Deportivo FC, Industry FC, Ex United Kingdom FC and Karowala FC.

“These teams lack funds to buy uniforms.They have been training and playing with no proper outfits and so what they have received today will help them to grow their talent,” Shiveka noted.

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