4 minute read
Flying the KNH flag on the football pitch
By Dave Opiyo
On Saturday, March 5, 2022. Time 3 pm. Kenyatta National Hospital’s football team players are warming down, after a tough match against Terror Squad from Kasarani. The match played at the Strathmore University grounds in Nairobi, has just ended in a goalless draw.
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“I’m sure the next match against Limuru Sportif will go our way,” Mr. George Makambi, the team’s head coach tells Newsline in an interview.
Oozing optimism, Mr. Makambi adds: “The team has had a good run of form registering victories in many of their matches. The boys are rearing to go.”
In their last match, KNH FC, as is fondly known, walloped Waterworks, a team comprising mainly of military officers 3-1.
“All the team needs is some extra motivation and we are good to go,” he adds while appreciating the support they have received from the Management and other wellwishers.
Just a few weeks ago, for instance, the team benefitted from a donation of tracksuits from Ukaguzi Non-Deposit Taking Sacco as part of its corporate social responsibility.
Mr. David Sumaili, Chairman, the Sacco’s chair said as an organization they aim to promote financial and physical health as a way to give back to society.
“KNHFC is a winning team with committed players. We hope to continue partnering for the sake of the youth,” he added.
“The future is the youth, and this is part of the reason we decided to support KNHFC. I also want to thank the KNH Management as well as the football team as we join to share and support the success and glory of the players,” he said.
Mr. Morris Karaine, HoD Administrative Services, while appreciating the donation said: “Youth football provides mental and physical wellness for employees. We have developed a clear policy on sports and recreational activities and this has enhanced teamwork, promotion of staff wellness, and improving our corporate image in the institution.”
Mr. Job Makanga- Dir, Planning and Strategy who received the donation on behalf of KNH CEO, Dr. Evanson Kamuri emphasized that the KNH management was trying its best to entrench the culture of sporting and recreation in the institution.
The KNH FC football team has a rich history. It was started in 1984 by hospital staff as a means of keeping fit. But as days went by, they realized they could compete with other teams given the quality of players at the time.
MAIN PHOTO | STEVE MUTUKU
KNH FC ( in yellow Jersey) and Terror Squad FC fight for the ball during Nation wide Division Eastern zone league games at Strathmore Complex Sports Ground.
Mr. Makambi explains that the team then registered to play in the Nairobi Provision League – Division 4. This is the lowest league in football in Kenya’s hierarchy. But with time, the team, registering impressive results, climbed the ladder. It currently plays in the Nationwide Division 2 League – Eastern Zone.
This, he explains, is just a stone’s throw away from the Premier League.
“ If we continue playing the way we are, we will probably move to Division One, the Superleague then the Premier League. We intend to achieve this within the next five years,” says Mr. Makambi.
The team has produced several soccer greats, that have represented the country at the highest levels. Some of the players who have played for the national team and have at some point played for KNH FC include Nicholas Muyoti, Mulinge Munandi, Nathan Munai, Jerim Onyango amongst others.
Collins Achieng eyes the ball as they battle with Terror Squad FC during Nation wide Division Eastern zone league
PHOTO | STEVE MUTUKU
According to Mr. Makambi, the team is looking forward to training and playing their home matches at their pitch, which is currently being refurbished. “We are currently using the KMTC and at times, Strathmore University grounds for a training and matches,” he says.
But even as they tackled their next round of matches, Mr. Makambi urges KNH staff to turn out in large numbers and support the team whenever they play.
KNH FC warmup before their match against Terror Squad FC
PHOTO | STEVE MUTUKU
“The players have shown a high level of commitment and discipline. They report for training early in the morning by 5.30 am. We go for roadworks, then have some sessions with the ball and work on our tactics. Our training sessions end by 7.30 am,”he says.
