His happy face cannot contain the excitement that Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Tournament came with. 17-year-old Enock Wanyama strikes with his impeccable understanding of the transformation of his football career from where it all began to the clear road his future will be sailing into. His determination, undying passion for football and focus are unparalleled.
For Wanyama, football is life. Hailing from a family with football ingrained in their DNA, practicing this sport as naturally as it came to him is an honor to his family legacy. South B United Sports Academy (SUSA), an Umbrella body that has nurtured him to the exceptional talent he is today, had been keeping tabs on him while in school, until when the time was ripe. But Wanyama yearned for more.
“After staying in SUSA for a while, I could not keep up with their pace. I wanted to be a part of a team that is playing in known leagues because I was way too good at football. Little did I know that eloping from SUSA was such a terrible idea. I was very much frustrated a disappointed and I had to go back to my South B, humbled by my mistakes and very much much patient because I realized God was trying to teach me something,” he attests.
Through the Football Kenya Federation FKF, SUSA enrolled for Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom tournament a national football tournament for male and female youth aged between 16-20 years that aims to transform the lives of young people by giving them a platform to showcase their talent and an opportunity to earn from their passion.
Playing for his team, South B United, in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals altogether for the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom in Nairobi Region, Wanyama’s talent caught the eyes of many, and his talent did not go unnoticed. He was feted among the top players in the Nairobi region finals, opening doors for more opportunities.
“Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom has given me so much confidence and exposure in football. I’d pass by Nyayo and see our Captain Stephen Oduor on the billboard together with my former teammate made me believe in myself even more. Creating awareness about football, Chapa Dimba is really encouraging youth participation and is a good way to start of one’s football career. My society gives me so much motivation because they really believe in me and they cheer me on. I don’t want to ever fail them. They make me want to give back to the society by all means,” says Wanyama.
Wanyama was scouted among the All-Star team comprising of 17 boys and 15 girls, from across the country during the eight regional finals in Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Eastern, Coast, Central, North Eastern, and Nairobi. Wanyama was privileged to travel in the company of his fellow young footballers to Spain for a twelve-day training from top La Liga coaches in preparations for the Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom national finals set for Meru in June where the winning boys’ and girls’ teams will each walk away with Sh1 million shillings in prize money.
“I was so excited to go to Spain. I could not believe I was boarding The Emirates all branded and looking successful. Training at Futbol Salou, with the best in La Liga, watching a live match at Camp Nou Stadium in the 12 days, was quite an experience. One thing stood out for me, timekeeping. I’m eager to share my learnings and experiences with my team-mates as we prepare for the national finals,” he mentions.
According to his Team Manager, Masese Mokua, Wanyama is an invaluable asset to the academy and there are teams interested in signing him up into the next level, but they will be giving him out but on a loan. He is confident about the outcome of Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Tournament National finals betting on his best talent, Wanyama.