Led by Allan Thigo, the tributes have poured in for former Kenyan international footballer Martin Ouma who died on Saturday.
After battling with poor health over the last three years, Ouma died at his home, in Hawinga village, Alego Usonga in Siaya County, after suffering a stroke and collapsing. He was 71.
Thigo said about Ouma: “He was the finest dribbler I have ever played with.”
“There was never a dull moment with Ogwanjo Chati around,” Thigo told Standard Sports when condoling with the family of the former winger.
“He loved football and he would do anything to make the team. I remember in 1971 when German Eckhard Krautzun took over the Kenya National team, the name Harambee Stars had not yet been coined, he assembled combined teams from each of the country’s provinces at the time.
Ouma was part of the Kenya team in 1972 which competed in the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
At club level, Ouma played for Gor Mahia and led them to victory in the Kenyan Premier League in 1976 – a season in which they remained unbeaten.
“Nairobi had four teams, Gor Mahia, Abaluhya (AFC), Kenya Breweries and Nairobi Combined. Krautzun wanted to pick his team without anyone’s prodding. Competition for places was very tough.
“Ogwanjo Chati, a left-winger noticed our left-back Sospeter Otin was absent. He quickly filled the position. His attacking instincts later won the heart of Krautzun and was drafted as a left-back. Later, we chided him for being cunning. ‘Now you will forever play as a defender’ we told him,” Thigo remembers.
“We will miss him. May God rest his soul in eternal peace.”
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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