The team that won the Mandela Cup in 1987 was composed of great players whose story is like a fairy tale. Never has a club assembled such an efficient machine like the team that was put together by former Arsenal FC winger Len Julians.
The debacle in Egypt when they played against Zamalek FC gave birth to a vision, a resolve and determination to shame their detractors. The club felt robbed by the continental body CAF.
Unknown to many, a harsh decision made by the club chairman Zack Mbori sparked the journey to fame. Sometimes it is said there is a silver lining behind every dark cloud. After a boycott by senior players way back in 1982, many players were suspended or expelled. The club sent word round the country asking their branches to suggest names of talented boys who were ready to play on the big stage. Fans and branch scouts did not disappoint. What was assembled was an array of stars never seen before and never known to exist anywhere.
The big question that fans are today asking is, where are these stars who made history in 1987?
- David ‘ Kamoga ‘ Ochieng, was a goalkeeper, is now retired and enjoys life as a senior citizen after working with Kengen. Balances his time between Nairobi and his home in Usenge, Siaya County
- Tairus ‘ Tairero’ Omondi was a goalkeeper….deceased
- Ahmed Shero was a goalkeeper…was last seen engaged in business in the Middle East
- Swaleh ‘ Oswayo’ Ochieng a left back, retired after working with Telkom Kenya. His son Yassin Juma is a reknown award winning TV journalist. Lives in Nairobi.
- George Solomon Otieno a right back, retired employee of the Kenya Railways Corporation. Now lives in his rural home near Yokia beach in Mfang’ano Island
- Peter ‘ Pierre’ Ochienga a right back, emigrated to America and still lives there.
- Tom Gundo central defender….whereabouts unknown
- Tobias ‘ Jua Kali ‘ Ochola a right back, worked with the Kenya Railways Corporation then joined the sports department of Kenyatta University. Ochola took advantage of the opportunity to study for his MBA and is currently doubling up as a radio pundit for a vernacular FM station. Lives in Nairobi.
- Peter ‘ Bassanga ‘ Otieno a utility defender retired sports officer at Sony Sugar. Lives in Siaya County.
Others
Austin ‘ Makamu ‘ Oduor a central defender, was the captain of the team. Retired after many years in the Civil service in Nairobi.
Isaiah ‘ Janabi ‘ Omondi a utility player, retired after working with Telkom Kenya. Was at some point involved in building Kayole Asubuhi FC an upcoming youth outfit in Nairobi’s Eastlands. Is often seen in Nairobi
Charles ‘ Engine ‘ Otieno defensive midfielder……deceased
Sammy ‘ Jogoo’ Onyango left winger….deceased
Anthony ‘ Suzuki ‘ Ndolo right winger….deceased
John ‘ Zangi ‘ Okello attacking midfielder ………deceased
Abbas ‘ Zamalek ‘ Magongo defensive midfielder….deceased
Peter ‘Omuga’ Dawo central striker, took early retirement after working with Kenya Railways Corporation. Was engaged by the Kisumu County Government as a stadium official. Lives in Kisumu City
George ‘Fundi’ Onyango attacking midfielder, still works with KPA but almost retiring from active employment. Spends most of his time in Mombasa
George ‘Artillery Nyangi’ Odembo defensive midfielder, moved to the USA with his family and is nowadays an accomplished Evangelical Preacher
Ben ‘Breakdance’ Oloo left winger, was until his recent mysterious death an employee of KPA in Mombasa
Jaffer Mwidau full back, deceased
John Bobby Ogolla a full back, retired as an employee of Telkom Kenya and started a coaching career with his former club and Harambee Stars.