Kenyatta Otieno

It happened to Nicholas Anelka, Bojan Krkic and Fernando Torres have taught us a great lesson in the European leagues. The same lesson Ezekiel Odera, Bob Mugalia and John Onami teach us in the local league. It takes more than the natural gift of talent to succeed as a football player, or even career.

FC Barcelona is famous for its efficient youth system. Bojan Krkic went through La Masia -the farm house that has housed Messi and Pep Guardiola among others. His record in the youth system and Barcelona B surpass Messi’s. Everybody knew he will be the next wonder after Messi but he never lived to perform at his best. Pep sent him to Roma and much is heard of him there.

Ezekiel Odera was snatched up by Gor Mahia last season after scoring 11 goals for KCB in 2010. The fans even called him alcatel because he had come in to replace George ‘blackberry ‘ Odhiambo. He never played to his potential and he was even nicknamed ‘Torres’ the Chelsea striker who has never lived to his £50 million price from Liverpool.

John Onami has not done justice to the definition of a striker at Sofapaka. He was so promising in his rookie year at Mathare United but since joining Watoto wa Mungu- his goal tally equals most defenders. Bob Mugalia burst into the KPL with a bang; I thought it was just a matter of time before he was snapped up by a club in Europe. This will be his fourth season in KPL with Sofapaka, what we hear is romours of possible moves which do not materialize.

It takes a combination of talent and skill to succeed in football and life in general. Nicholas Anelka’s talent has seen him grace the biggest clubs in Europe, but he will not be counted among the most successful footballers. There is the club environment and coach factor which a player may not have much say in. The ability to adapt and perform regardless of situation is a great asset.

You may be good in what you do, but that is not enough- it takes more than that.
© Feb 17th 2012

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