Kariobangi Sharks defensive midfielder Biron Otieno has opened up on his tough journey from the slums of Kibra to being a mainstay at his club.His path to the top flight has, however, not been all rosy as he had to fight numerous challenges on and off the pitch to get to where is is currently.Growing up in Kibra, one of the largest slums in Africa, presented a unique challenge for the player in his journey.Gor Mahia unveil trio set to bolster club in upcoming Kagame CupHowever, instead of wallowing in self pity, Otieno says the challenges that he faced as a young boy growing up in the slums of Kibera have been the motivation that has kept him going.The challenges implored him to work hard in order to try and find a better life for himself and his family.Small in stature but with great talent, Biron has been a rock and key player for the William Muluya-coached side since joining the team and more so in the past season where he played all the 34 league matches and Mozzart Bet Cup matches for Kariobangi Sharks.##NAJAVA_MECA_8197943##Growing up in Kenya’s largest slum, Otieno faced many challenges that come with the tough environment as some of the youths resort to drugs and crime but for him, he had decided football will be the solution for his escape from poverty.“Coming from the slum, the challenges that we face in order to make it are enormous. The main reason for me is the peer pressure to get involved in illegal activities and the question of whether you will make it in life, always lingers in your mind,” said Otieno.For Otieno and some of his friends, the guidance they received from their grassroots coaches and mentors around them, helped them grow in football so much so that they are currently in the topflight and other leagues.Gor Mahia to embrace Brazilian Samba under new head coach Leonardo Martins Neiva“For many of us who tried to keep the faith, be disciplined and work hard, the fruits are starting to show. I played with the likes of Tusker’s Chris Erambo who is also doing an amazing job and we are all glad at how things have turned out,” he added.What then would it require for a player in the slums to make it in football? Otieno shares some of the open secrets“In the hood, it requires you to have a “beast” mentality and be driven by the zeal to get out of the slum and make a better future for yourself,” he concluded.Being a person who has tested both the hardships of the informal settlements and the fruits of hard work, Otieno still visits his Kibera hood over the weekends when Sharks don’t have a match to try and motivate the young boys from the area.
