Former Kenyan internationals have expressed their delight after the launch of the International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) celebrations football tournament at Uhuru Sports Complex yesterday.
AgeWatch Africa Foundation has lined up a series of activities including to ensure the older people in the country join the world to mark the celebrations in style.
The highlight of the celebrations will be the four-team tournament slated for October 1 at Dandora Stadium. The Ex-International Team featuring Musa Otieno, Bobby Ogola, George Sunguti and Joseph Murilla will battle with Obama AllStars Legends, Dandora Legends and SJAK FC.
The commemoration of IDOP will be preceded by a children’s tournament (10-13 years old) involving eight teams at the same venue on Saturday. They include Tumaini Primary School, Jogoo Road Primary School, Heshima Primary School, Tom Mboya Primary School, Mathare 4A Primary School, Daima Primary School, Watoto Wetu Primary School and New Starlight Academy.
“Being old is not a problem, but just a phase of life. We want to do something that will pass a message and co-exist the young and old people together in the society. Older people are not out yet and they can still do something for us. The legends will serve as mascots walking them onto the pitch. They will be literally passing over the baton to the younger generation,” said Richard Waindi, founder and CEO of AgeWatch Africa Foundation.
“We want to engage these retired players on income generating initiatives so that they will be able to fend for themselves. But more importantly, when doing so, they will be mitigating the tendency to start having emotional problems that lead to health issues.”
“Through the projects we have, we want to keep these senior members of the society as busy as possible.
“We are just using football as an entry point, but we will venture into other disciplines like volleyball, hockey, rugby and athletics. We chose deliberately to start with football because based on the stories we read and see in the media they are the most affected group of the retired athletes. We have already done projects in Kisumu, Busia, Migori, Homabay, Kakamega and Nakuru counties. We will also move to other counties.”
Former Harambee Stars captain and coach Musa Otieno warmly welcomed the initiative.
“This initiative will not only help the former internationals but also the older people we stay with in our homes, there is a stigma to them even going out. I always respect those people who are over 60 years old because they have seen it all. I’m glad AgeWatch has come in at the right time and we are more than ready to join them in these celebrations.
“In football, we talk about the three pillars; technical, tactical and mental. The area we don’t talk about is the mental aspect and many athletes have been left on their own. That’s the big challenge we are facing, but with this initiative, we are going to walk with our old people. My mum is very sick, and whenever she sees me she feels hope and happiness. As far as I’m concerned, old is gold.”
His sentiments were echoed by former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia defender Bob Ogolla, who said: “After representing this country for many years, the old people have been neglected. Nobody is taking care of them. It is high time the government should come up with policies and even partner with organizations like AgeWatch and champion for the welfare of old people.”
Josphat Murilla: “I just want to thank AgeWatch for coming to our rescue. We have had a candid discussion with them and we are confident they are going to be of good help to us as we walk together in this journey.”
Kenya Footballers’ Welfare Association (KEFWA) Secretary General Dan Makori and Kenya Ex-International Welfare Association Secretary General Harold Ndege said they will fully support the initiative.