Nairobi United centre back John Otieno was treated to a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, as friends, former coaches, and members of the community gathered to catch a glimpse of the man who has won three Mozzart Bet Cup titles. Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsSince guiding Nairobi United to their historic triumph in the Mozzart Bet Cup two weeks ago, Otieno had not set foot in Nakuru, a city he calls home, prompting the solid mobilisation by the locals of Bondeni area upon word of his imminent arrival. The scramble for a selfie with the man they consider a local hero was spontaneous, so were the congratulatory messages for his efforts in helping Nairobi United clinch the Cup and secure a ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9012055##Driven by the spirit of giving back and appreciating the support the community has been consistently affording him ever since he began playing football at Kamukunji Grounds as a kid, Otieno did return empty-handed. Before kicking off the journey from Nairobi to Nakuru, Otieno redeemed his Mozzart Bet Cup Humanitarian Cheque and bought sporting equipment worth Ksh100,000 for his boyhood club, Bondeni Youth. He donated 15 footballs, cones, goal post nets, goalkeeper gloves, boots, set markers, and uniforms to the team, which presently features in the Nakuru Regional League under the tutelage of Geoffrey Kasisi. Otieno, who also plays as a defensive midfielder, featured for Bondeni Youth between 2013-2015, with his performances earning him a move to Nakuru All Stars. He later joined Kariobangi Sharks late in 2018, during a period when the club claimed the Cup after beating Sofapaka 3-2 in the final staged at Kasarani Stadium. “It feels good to be back home and support the team that guided my steps as a kid. Supporting the academy was a no-brainer, given the role it plays in society and the fact that it is located in the informal settlement of Nakuru. It offers the youth a platform to make careers out of football, besides keeping them away from social vices,” said Otieno, who also won the Cup with Kakamega Homeboyz in 2023. Proud parents in attendance as Gor Mahia youngster donates Ksh100k Mozzart Bet Cup awardThe support from the community is one that the former Ulinzi Stars man does not take for granted.”Nothing motivates me to pursue my career goals like my people from Nakuru. They always reach out on match days and have never deserted me during the hard times,” he opened up.Some of the active players, who were on location to witness their colleague give back are: Mara Sugar midfielder Reuben Mita, goalkeeper Evans Omondi, Ulinzi Stars centre back Frederick Oduor among others. Ghanaian goalkeeper reveals why he donated Mozzart Bet Cup Humanitarian Cheque to MYSAInterestingly, Otieno says he is the only player from the Bondeni Youth’s graduate class of 2015 who has made it to the top level. He credits his rise to the national U20 team, Rising Stars, and the FKF Premier League to disciple and hard work. “I embraced the teachings of coach Kasisi firmly. I am delighted to see nearly all of my former teammates doing well in other professions,” he added. Lucas Maina donates Ksh100,000 Mozzart Bet Cup award to former team in KiberaMeanwhile, Kasisi, a former Kenya international, hailed Otieno for boosting the academy’s effort of supplying exciting talents to the top-tier. “It is always refreshing to see our products thriving in their respective clubs. John was a talented player, whom I believe he has what it takes to play at the professional level. His gesture means a lot to us and will definitely inspire our current players to take football seriously, he said. McCarthy defends Harambee Stars squad selection ahead of CHANOtieno landed the cheque following his Man of the Match performance in the Cup final against Gor Mahia.Consequently, he became the second Nairobi United player to win it after Isaac Omweri, who was voted as one of the best players in the quarterfinals.
