In a bold move to boost football in Kenya, the Deputy Patron of Gor Mahia FC, Mr. Eliud Owalo, who is also Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management in the Executive Office of the President, held a strategic meeting with former Nigerian international and Chelsea FC star John Obi Mikel. The two explored a potential partnership focused on identifying and developing football talent across the country.
Although Mr. Owalo does not serve in the Ministry of Sports, he has demonstrated a strong personal commitment to Kenyan football. He was recently appointed Deputy Patron of Kenya’s most decorated club, Gor Mahia FC. Through the Eliud Owalo Foundation, he purchased a team bus for the club and initiated steps to secure land in Machakos for the construction of a dedicated stadium.
His contributions extend beyond Gor Mahia. Mr. Owalo has supported several clubs—including Kakamega Homeboyz, Migori Youth FC, and Vihiga United FC—by donating essential items such as footballs, jerseys, and tracksuits. He also organized a Nyanza inter-county football tournament, culminating in a match between a select team from the event and Gor Mahia FC.
The talks centered on using the Eliud Owalo Foundation to establish impactful collaborations aimed at discovering and mentoring young players nationwide.
Mikel brings a wealth of experience from elite international football, having achieved tremendous success throughout his career.
Major Trophies Won by John Obi Mikel:
With Chelsea FC:
- Premier League: 2 titles (2009–10, 2014–15)
- FA Cup: 4 titles (2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12)
- EFL Cup (League Cup): 2 titles (2006–07, 2014–15)
- FA Community Shield: 1 title (2009)
- UEFA Champions League: 1 title (2011–12)
- UEFA Europa League: 1 title (2012–13)
With Nigeria:
- Africa Cup of Nations: 1 title (2013)
Additional Achievements with Nigeria:
Olympic Games bronze medal: 2016 (Rio de Janeiro)
Africa Cup of Nations bronze medals: 2006, 2010
“John Obi Mikel’s journey from the streets of Jos, Nigeria, to the world stage is a powerful example of what talent, when properly guided, can achieve,” said Mr. Owalo. “We aim to replicate that success story here in Kenya.”
The meeting also addressed the importance of connecting local football clubs—especially iconic community teams like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards—with potential sponsors, aiming to create long-term funding strategies that will raise the level of the sport locally.
This initiative, driven by the Eliud Owalo Foundation’s commitment to youth and sports development, signals a promising new chapter for Kenyan football—one defined by structure, opportunity, and global expertise.
This is a good piece
I hope we’ll in future have football partners in the currently aiming to elevate the game to much higher levels
Good job from Eliud and every other person doing anything positive for football