When Kabati Youth strolled off the pitch after their narrow 1-0 win over Dandora Youth on Sunday, 18 May at Mukerenju Primary School, it was more than just winning a football match, but also the culmination of a prayerful journey.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe Murang’a-based side, guided by head coach Joel Mungai, had made history, sealing promotion to the National Super League (NSL) for the first time.Mashemeji Derby date confirmedHowever, what made this promotion even more special was the man behind it.Mungai, a proud member of the Akorino faith, became the first coach from the religious denomination to lead a football club to Kenya’s second-tier league in recent times.##NAJAVA_MECA_8934391##The Akorino, formally known as Arathi (prophets), are a Christian religious group in Kenya known for their white turbans, modest dressing, and strong adherence to spiritual discipline.Their presence in sports, particularly at the national level, has often been minimal, hence making Mungai’s achievement a powerful statement about the unifying strength of faith and football.Shabana rakes in Ksh 1.4m despite home loss to Mara SugarKabati Youth ended the season with 56 points after an impressive run that included 16 wins, eight draws, and only four losses. Their closest challengers, Bumbani Stars from Mombasa, finished eight points adrift.While the results on the pitch speak of tactical discipline and athletic grit, Mungai attributes their success to unwavering faith.##NAJAVA_MECA_8935675##“All my players are prayerful. Besides being a coach, I teach them the ways of God. If you want to achieve something, you have to go to God and pray, then do your best on the pitch. That is why we are here,” Mungai told Mozzart Sport.The coach’s influence is evident both on and off the pitch. The team prays together, worships together, and even the fans have caught on, affectionately calling them Team ya God (loosely translated to a team that belongs to God).Senate disappointed by Eldoret’s 64 Stadium delays“Even for my players, we believed we could do this. We go to church together. Even when you look at the fans, they went to church before coming to cheer us up. That is where it all starts,” Mungai continued.His sentiments were echoed by the team’s captain, Stanley Mburu, popularly known as ‘Star’, who credited their belief system for giving them strength in the toughest moments of the campaign.##NAJAVA_MECA_8931709##“It was not smooth sailing, but our faith is what kept us going. We believed this was our time,” Star offered.That belief extends beyond the players. Mozzart Sport spotted one of their loyal supporters, Loise Wanjiru, at the match still dressed in her Sunday best.Sour afternoon for Harambee Stars defenders in Europe“I came straight from church. We’ve been praying for this promotion, and I know God has answered us. It’s more than football, this is a blessing,” the visibly excited mother of two offered.With promotion now secured, Kabati Youth will be leaving no stone unturned to stay competitive in the NSL and eventually achieve FKF Premier League promotion.
