This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
August 26, 2019, marked a significant day in the lives of many youth in Nakuru Town's slums, particularly in Paul Machanga, Bondeni, Kivumbini, and Manyani. It was the day Abdulrahaman Abdul Muigai, a 37-year-old coach, decided to take a bold step towards changing the lives of his peers.
Muigai, born and raised in Paul Machanga, had witnessed many of his friends sink into crime and drug addiction. Determined to make a difference, he started coaching young boys aged 11-13 in 2000.
‘I was born and brought up in Paul Machanga and I have seen my peers sink into crime and drug addiction, that is why I decided to coach young boys in a bid to change their mindset from crime to active football activities,’ Muigai said.
Under his guidance, the Paul Machanga Youth Academy was born, and it has since produced some of the most talented players who have joined Kenyan Premier League and National Super League clubs. Among his notable products are AFC Leopards right full back Dennis Sikayi, Leon Onguso who joined Kariobangi Sharks under 20, and Kevin Muhanji of Vihiga Bullets.
Despite not playing competitive football himself, Muigai has become a darling among the youth and parents in Paul Machanga. He has started under-7, under-11, and under-13 football teams and continues to train those outside these age brackets.
‘Parents are now very supportive and are bringing their children to training grounds. They are giving their children permission to attend training sessions at St Theresa’s Primary School playground,’ Muigai said.
His initiatives not only equip the children with football skills but also sensitize them on the dangers of drug abuse. ‘I always tell them that football has a life span and they must also build a career that would sustain them long after their careers end,’ Muigai said.
However, the teams face challenges, including a lack of playing equipment and balls. ‘Sometimes we depend on our players who have joined top flight clubs to donate balls to us,’ Muigai said.
Despite these challenges, the children have been posting impressive results in local tournaments. Captain Levis Thuo, 14, who is a midfielder, aims to join Kenyan Premier League champions Gor Mahia.
‘I love Gor Mahia and my favourite player is Francis Kahata and one day I want to become like him and play for Gor Mahia,’ Thuo said.
On Saturday, August 24, 2019, the Paul Machanga Youth Academy won the inaugural under-13 Bucks Football Cup at Nakuru Athletics Club after edging AVFAL 3-2 in post-match penalties in regulation time in the finals.
