This archive report was first published on 14 November 2019.
On November 14, 2019, Johanna Omollo, a midfielder for Harambee Stars, made history by winning the FIFPRO Merit Award at the FIFPRO General Assembly in Sydney, Australia. The award, which comes with a $25,000 prize, is given to recognize professional footballers who make a positive impact in their communities through charity work.
Omollo, who hails from the Dandora slum in Kenya, has been instrumental in giving back to his community through the 'Johanna Omollo Foundation' football for good program. The program aims to use football as a tool for social change and has been making a significant impact in the lives of many young people in Kenya.
Commenting on Omollo's achievement, James Situma, the Chairman of the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA), said, 'It was a moment of excitement for KEFWA when Johanna Omollo won the FIFPro Merit Award, beating five other contestants around the world. May he keep contributing positively and changing lives in the society.'
The FIFPRO Merit Award is a prestigious honor that has been given to 11 other players since its inception in 2008. Omollo becomes the 12th player to receive the award and the 3rd player from Africa to do so.
