Harambee Stars attacking midfielder Austin Odhiambo has called for the protection of Baba Dogo Grounds in Nairobi, warning that the community risks losing the only public space that has kept young people away from crime.
Speaking on Tuesday, August 19, Odhiambo recalled his recent meeting with President William Ruto, saying he used the opportunity to remind the Head of State of the urgent need to protect the grounds from being grabbed
"I met the President, and luckily, I was able to remind him about our ground, which was about to be grabbed; it had already been sold. Baba Dogo Grounds is not just a field; it’s our hope as a community, the only thing we have. The ground has helped a lot; it brings people together and has even reduced crime," he said.
Odhiambo noted that his own journey in football is tied directly to the availability of the grounds, adding that his efforts to mentor children would be undermined if the space was lost.
"Right now, I play football because of the kids in my community, and I spend time with them, telling them that they can also make it. I was thinking that if this field was taken away, everything I’m trying to build would be destroyed because without that field, there is nothing I can do with those kids. That’s the only way I would have helped them," he added.
Read More
At the same time, Odhiambo spoke on the government’s decision to set up a fan zone at Baba Dogo Grounds during Kenya’s game against Zambia.
"For me, it was something very emotional; what I’m doing is because of those kids. Those children are the future of our community, and something like that happening in our community makes it easier and gives them hope that one day they can make it. I thank those who put up that screen because they don’t know how much they helped those children," he further said.
Notably, this comes a day after Harambee Stars forward Boniface Muchiri lauded Ruto’s efforts to reward national team players for every win in the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, August 17, Muchiri noted that such incentives are a huge motivation compared to what footballers usually receive at the club level.
"Our President knows how to motivate. A player’s motivation is everything. In our clubs, bonuses never reach that level; you’ll probably get around Ksh10,000 after every game you win.
"But this, KSh1 million for 90 minutes, wouldn’t you give everything on that pitch? The President promised us, and he’s delivering. We’ve already played our part, and I know tomorrow he will play his part too," he said.
Harambee Stars, who beat Zambia 1-0 on Sunday, will be facing Madagascar on Friday, August 22, at the Moi International Sports Centre - Kasarani.
