The call comes barely days before Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania co-host the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) 2024 whose football finals will be played in Nairobi on August 30.

From left to right: Peter Dawo, Michael Abala Wanga (City Manager), John Bobby Ogolla and the writer Lawrence Jeffrey. Photo: dalanews.co.ke

The footballing legends took part in the 1987 Nelson Mandela Cup reaching the finals of the tournament without losing a single game. In the finals Gor Mahia emphatically trounced Esperance of Tunisia on the away goal advantage 4—2 to be the first club side in East and Central Africa to ever lift the trophy.

Remembering that historic moment Peter Dawo says on the final game in Tunisia is when he scored with his foot for the first time having made a name for himself as a thrilling scorer using his head, hence the nickname “heading magician“.

Dawo says a lot has changed in football since then.

“Just donning the green and white Gor Mahia uniform was a patriotic duty. For the mighty Gor Mahia to lose a game was like a life was lost. That’s how serious we undertook our assignment.”

Left to right: Peter Dawo, Michael Abala Wanga, John Bobby Ogolla. Photo: dalanews.co.ke

Both Bobby Ogolla and Peter Dawo would also have illustrious careers with the national team Harambee Stars. The duo are among the few surviving members of the Mighty K’Ogalo squad.

Today they decry the unease in national football administration with rampant issues of match-fixing and bribery.

Bobby Ogolla wonders why Nicholas Musonye did not see it fit to involve veterans in the CHAN preparations.

“I can genuinely say that we have been ignored, neglected and forgotten just as if we never brought glory and honor to this nation.”

Other members of the Gor squad which lifted the Mandela Cup include David Ochieng “Kamoga” (goalkeeper), Isaiah Omondi “Janabi”, Tobias Ochola “Jua Kali”, Peter Otieno “Bassanga”, Austin Oduor “Makamu”, Abbas Khamis Magongo, Anthony Ndolo “Suzuki”, George Onyango “Fundi”, Peter Dawo “Omuga”, George “Nyangi” Odembo, Sammy Onyango “Jogoo”.

Under the late coach Jack Johnson the magic of Gor Mahia was unassailable, and truly unequalled.

Asked why there’s so much corruption in the sphere of Kenya’s football today, Bobby says in their heyday nearly all players were employed by corporations and playing football was just a hobby.

“Today soccer is a high-stakes-revenue-earner and most players pursue luxurious opportunities abroad,” Bobby said.

Captain Austin Oduor lifts the Nelson Mandela Cup in 1987. Most of the Gor Mahia squad that brought glory to Kenya are either forgotten or dead.

The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba has given an update on preparations for the August event.

“There is so much work and progress that has been made by the three countries; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda over the last few months working closely with the CAF team that has been on ground for a while. I must commend the work of the three Governments and the Leaders of the three Member Associations from the three Nations. I have inspected the main stadium in Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium as well as some of the training facilities. We no longer have questions of the state of readiness, we are now just focusing on minor details to ensure that we have everything in place by 02 August 2025.”

For John Bobby Ogolla and Peter Dawo the preparations mean nothing. They join the ranks of many sportsmen, artistes and talented Kenyans whose names and game is forgotten — blown away in the wind.

Meanwhile, the County Manager enumerated the exciting plans Kisumu City County Government under the able stewardship of Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyongo has for the sports sector.

Among these plans are transformation of Moi Stadium into a KES 1.3 billion ultra-modern sports facility with a 20,000-seater capacity. This project is expected to enhance sports infrastructure in the region.

Moi Stadium Kisumu is slated for KES 1.3 billion upgrade under Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyongo. Photo: donated

The County Government also plans to partner with the National Government to renovate and develop various sporting infrastructure in the county. This collaboration aims to promote sports development and provide better facilities for athletes.

Mr. Abala said the The County Integrated Development Plan (2023-2027) outlines projects and programs to promote development in various sectors, including sports. The plan focuses on creating a prosperous county where inhabitants enjoy high-quality lives.

These initiatives demonstrate the county government’s commitment to promoting sports development and providing better facilities for athletes and sports enthusiasts in Kisumu.