There is a timeless saying that goes, “There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and helping others.”This saying found its rightful dwelling since the inception of the Ricky Solomon Foundation, whose formation was fueled by the belief that every budding footballer deserves the chance to soar to greater heights.Mozzart Sport chatted with the brainchild of the foundation, Ricky Solomon, who shed light on the motivation and the main purpose behind it.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291072##The former Harambee Stars defender revealed that his way to the top was not smooth, but he was determined to use his experience to guide the younger generation of footballers.As part of its ongoing commitment to support young football players, the foundation is now distributing training gear and footballs to local teams in the Coastal region.“The foundation’s mission is to provide comprehensive training, mentorship, and support to aspiring footballers, helping them reach their full potential,” Solomon offered.Heavy Confederation Cup defeat reportedly costs Kenyan coach his job in TanzaniaSolomon who also doubles up as the boss of the Kenya Association of Football Coaches (KEFOCA) further expressed his belief that mentorship was the key to unlocking the potential of budding players.He firmly believes that every child has the potential to be a great player, given the right coaching and mentorship.“This foundation aims to give back to the community by guiding young football players on and off the field,” he disclosed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8284382##Drawing from his own experiences, Solomon recognizes how crucial it is to have someone who believes in you and provides the necessary support and direction.This drives his commitment to offering young players the same encouragement and wisdom that helped him succeed.“I started this foundation because I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference the right support and guidance can make in a young player’s life. It’s not just about football; it’s about helping them navigate life’s challenges,” he disclosed.Harambee Stars midfielder win away from Europa League stage actionSolomon played for Bandari FC during his heyday before representing Kenya in the CECAFA Senior Challenge. He was part of the team that won the CECAFA title for a record three times from 1980-1984. It is that experience that motivates him to put a smile on the youngsters’ faces.”The Foundation is a way to ensure that the next generation of footballers have access to the resources and mentorship that I didn’t always have growing up. It’s about creating a legacy that goes beyond the game. It is built on the idea that every young player deserves a chance to succeed, not just in football but in life,” he revealed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8291076##Solomon was the vice-captain of the Kenya Youth Team as well as the captain of the Coast Youth Team. His senior position in the team earned him a chance to meet Brazilian football legend Pele when he visited Mombasa in 1978, a memory he holds dear.The trailblazing defender went on to have a glittering football career and was among the Harambee Stars team that made their debut appearance at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1972. He also served on the CECAFA technical organizing committee in 2014.His accolades read like a book but most recently, in 2021, he was among the heroes feted by the state during the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
