After independence in 1963, Kenya had an emerging national team that had tested itself against regional counterparts Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.
They also went through baptism by fire when they were walloped 10-0 by Ghana’s Black Stars at an international friendly to celebrate Uhuru in 1963. The match was played at Jamhuri Park.
Since Kenya used the traditional English style of play, the use of wingers as playmakers was a stand-out strategy. In any case, football was mostly taught in established schools countrywide where Physical Education (PE) and football was synonymous. The use of natural speed was important for those who were selected to play on the right or left flanks.
Kadenge’s selfish way of playing
Some of the great wingers who have donned our country’s football jerseys in the wings include Joe Kadenge one of the most talked about local footballers who was Kenya’s poster boy when radio commentary was the most reliable means of enjoying the beautiful game. Kadenge died a few years ago but left a huge debate about what a good footballer should be.
He played actively for both Abaluhya FC and the national team from 1963 to 1975 when he officially hanged his boots. The only gap in his career was the fact that he never played on the AFCON big stage. Most coaches including Eckhardt Krautzun thought he was too individualistic. The German helped Kenya to qualify for their maiden continental tournament held in Cameroun. Kadenge was not included, and it was claimed Krautzun did not like his individualistic or selfish way of playing. That Kadenge used to hold on to the ball far too long a style the German did not approve of. He was axed. Nevertheless, Joe Kadenge arguably remains the winger who scored most goals for Harambee Stars.
Most entertaining wingers
John Nyawanga was used in the team to captain and play the right wing. John Chore handled the opposite wing. Later on Aggrey Lukoye and Noah Wanyama father to Macdonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama took over when Kadenge retired from both Abaluhya FC and Harambee Stars.
As fate would have it, later in the early eighties Joe’s son Francis Kadenge was also too hot to handle playing for Maragoli United, Re-Union and AFC Leopards. Like father, Francis also never made an impression in the national team whatsoever. He is known more for his exploits with his club than anywhere else.
Mike Amwayi, the speedy left footer who played alongside the Musuku brothers, Bernard and Dan Musuku also never made it in the Harambee First XI. Nahashon Mahila (KTM), and Elly Adero (Kenya Breweries FC) left a mark as great wingers in the Marshall Mulwa squad of 1981-1983. The duo had picked up the baton from Nahashon ‘Lule’ Oluoch , Binzi Mwakolo and Eric Omonge. Their positions were inherited by Sammy ‘Jogoo’ Onyango and Ambrose ‘Golden Boy’ Ayoyi. Casual interviews with old school fans reveals that Joe Kadenge, Nahashon Oluoch and Ben ‘Breakdance’ Oloo were the most entertaining wingers during their days.
Henry Motego, Alfayo Odongo were live wires in the mid and late eighties towards the nineties until Coach Fabisch discovered his dream team in 1997 by assembling great wingers in Ken Simiyu from Nzoia FC and Tom Ogweno from Re-Union FC.
The days of Kenya’s great wingers were over when playing for Harambee Stars became a lottery of sorts. Days when the wings were reserved for speedy, slippery, clever and entertaining footballers are long gone. To date Kenyan football fans may find difficulty identifying their first eleven wingers.