Four teams composed of former Kenyan internationals will participate in a one day football tournament set for 1st of October this year at the Dandora stadium in celebration of international day for older people.
The Ex-international team featuring Kenyan football legends Bobby Ogola, George Sunguti, Joseph Murilla and Musa Otieno is scheduled to play Obama All Stars Legends, Dandora Legends and SJAK FC.
Obama AllStars Legends, Dandora Legends, and SJAK FC will square off against the Ex-International Team, which is composed of Musa Otieno, Bobby Ogola, George Sunguti, and Joseph Murilla.
“Being old is not a problem, but just a phase of life. We want to do something that will pass a message and coexist the young and old people together in the society. Older people are not out yet, and they can still do something for us. The legends will serve as mascots, walking them onto the pitch.”
They will be literally passing over the baton to the younger generation,” said Richard Waindi, founder and CEO of AgeWatch Africa Foundation.
“We want to engage these retired players in income-generating initiatives so that they will be able to defend themselves. But more importantly, when doing so, they will be mitigating the tendency to start having emotional problems that lead to health issues.”
“Through the projects we have, we want to keep these senior members of the society as busy as possible.
“We are just using football as an entry point, but we will venture into other disciplines like volleyball, hockey, rugby, and athletics. We chose deliberately to start with football because, based on the stories we read and see in the media, they are the most affected group of the retired athletes. We have already done projects in Kisumu, Busia, Migori, Homabay, Kakamega, and Nakuru counties. We will also move to other counties.”
Eight teams will compete in a children’s competition (10–13 years old) at the same location on Saturday before the IDOP celebration.
New Starlight Academy, Mathare 4A Primary School, Daima Primary School, Watoto Wetu Primary School, Heshima Primary School, Jogoo Road Primary School, Tumaini Primary School, and Tom Mboya Primary School are a few among them.
Former Harambee Stars captain and coach Musa Otieno welcomed the initiative saying it not only helps the retired footballers keep fit but interact with each other ,sentiments which were echoed by former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia defender Bobby Ogolla.
“This initiative will not only help the former internationals but also the older people we stay with in our homes; there is a stigma to them even going out. I always respect those people who are over 60 years old because they have seen it all. I’m glad AgeWatch has come in at the right time, and we are more than ready to join them in these celebrations.
“In football, we talk about the three pillars: technical, tactical, and mental. The area we don’t talk about is the mental aspect, and many athletes have been left on their own. That’s the big challenge we are facing, but with this initiative, we are going to walk with our old people. My mom is very sick, and whenever she sees me, she feels hope and happiness. As far as I’m concerned, old is gold.”
His sentiments were echoed by former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia defender Bob Ogolla, who said: “After representing this country for many years, the old people have been neglected. Nobody is taking care of them. It is high time the government should come up with policies and even partner with organisations like AgeWatch and champion for the welfare of old people.”
Josphat Murilla: “I just want to thank AgeWatch for coming to our rescue. We have had a candid discussion with them, and we are confident they are going to be of good help to us as we walk together in this journey.”
The initiative has also been supported by the Kenya Footballers’ Welfare Association (KEFWA).
