This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
On Father's Day, international betting firm Betway celebrated the unsung heroes of Kenyan sports – fathers who double up as mentors and role models to the country's youth.
According to renowned Ghanaian author Gifty Akita, 'Every great achiever is inspired by a great mentor.' This quote resonates with many successful sports players who credit their coaches and senior players for their success.
Betway's initiative to honor these fathers and mentors is a testament to their commitment to supporting the Kenyan sports community. In May last year, the company partnered with Alswafa FC, a club that has produced talent for the Kenyan national team Harambee Stars, Kenyan Premier League, and CAF competitions.
Alswafa FC Chairman Bashir Hussein has been instrumental in the club's growth, providing management and mentorship guidance to the players since 1998. Despite the challenges faced by Kenyan sports, Bashir has ensured that the team is well-catered for, providing support, accommodation, food, equipment, and transport.
As a result, Alswafa FC has risen through the ranks of Kenyan soccer from the lower leagues to the regional league. Bashir hopes that the club's success will lead to the creation of more job opportunities for the players through various investments.
'I encourage others in positions of influence to mentor the youth on the future and the need for self-sustainability,' said Bashir.
Betway has also worked with Dandora teams and their Secretary General Godfrey Okoti, who has been instrumental in turning amateur players from the disadvantaged Dandora slums into professional soccer players since 2003.
Okoti believes that other leaders in sports should focus on institutionalizing sports as a professional career choice for Kenyan youth, as it is in other countries around the world.
'My personal vision for the Dandora youth and soccer teams is to develop highly skilled and intelligent players capable of competing at the highest level of the soccer game and in life,' Okoti said.
On Father's Day, Betway Country Manager Leon Kiptum honored these fathers and mentors, saying, 'We honor these fathers doubling up as father figures to the Kenyan sports community. These men continue to assist the country's youth advance their sporting ambitions and become positive, well-rounded members of society in the face of various vices and other challenges they face. Salute! Happy Father's Day to all fathers and father figures.'
