Collins Lumumba is an ardent football enthusiast whose passion for the beautiful game eclipses that of even the most devoted romantics.While others may be swept away by the allure of a candlelit dinner or a seaside stroll with a loved one, Lumumba is the kind of man who would gladly exchange a date night for a match night, any day.##NAJAVA_MECA_7789131##Ladies, take heed—instead of relying solely on the tried-and-true charm offensive, you might want to brush up on your football trivia if you aim to capture Lumumba’s heart.After all, who needs roses when you can witness the excitement of corner kicks and the breathtaking dribbles of Kenyan footballers? Lumumba is an avid supporter of FKF Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz.”I would rather leave curvy and beautiful ladies to attend football matches,” Lumumba humorously remarked.But where did it all begin?Little known to many, the 33-year-old Lumumba was a hard-hitting striker during his heydays. His love for the game took root in primary school at Makutano Primary School, where he actively participated in the school team.Following that, he played for the then Kenya Premier League side Kangemi United in 2005 before an opportunity to join high school arose.Adhiambo confident that Lionesses will sparkle in Challenger Series in DubaiThanks to Principal Godfrey Lokorito, Lumumba seized a golden opportunity to enroll in Kapenguria Talau School, where he kept his passion for the game alive. He played a crucial role in the National Under-17 team, which unfortunately lost to Somalia 2-1 during the Copa Coca-Cola tournament in Nakuru in 2008.”I studied at Kapenguria Talau School courtesy of my footballing skills. I played for Kangemi United in 2005 when we participated in the Kenya Premier League. The club had no funds, and when the opportunity to return to school presented itself, I took it. Subsequently, I played for the National U17 team, where we faced Somalia in Nakuru, but unfortunately, they beat us 2-1,” he shared with Mozzart Sport.After completing his secondary school education in 2009, Lumumba returned to playing for Kangemi United before suffering a thigh bone injury in 2010. The injury relegated him to the sidelines, compelling him to assume the role of the 12th player.He then bid farewell to his illustrious past, which saw him share the pitch with renowned footballer Victor Wanyama during the 2006 school games in Nakuru.”In 2010, I sustained an injury that kept me out of play. Despite that setback, I was determined to remain connected to the football pitch. That is when I became a fan—a decision I have never regretted. Remember, I was the youngest player to score more than 100 goals. I proudly consider myself the number one football fan in Kenya,” he declared, lifting his makeshift trophy.Who funds his trips?While others may be saving for luxurious vacations or the latest gadgets, Lumumba invests his hard-earned cash directly into the heart of the football arena. For him, the thrill of the game is worth every penny.”To be successful in life, you have to do your best. Most of the time, I fund my trips to ensure I attend most matches. I believe I am the first fan in Kenya to visit all the major stadiums across various parts of the country,” he affirmed.His dedication to the game presented him with a golden opportunity to meet the former Brazilian football superstar Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, commonly known as “Ronaldinho Gaucho,” during his visit to Kenya in 2018—a cherished memory he holds dear. Lumumba vividly recalled receiving a call from a local TV station inviting him to meet his football icon.As if that wasn’t enough, Lumumba also captured the attention of Cabinet Secretary (CS) in charge of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Mr. Ababu Namwamba, who sponsored his trip to Libya for the CAF Confederation Cup where Kakamega Homeboyz faced Al Hilal. The highlight of his journey was crossing six countries (Asia, Dubai, Qatar-Egypt-Tripoli-Libya) to reach his destination.Erick Ouma thrilled to join Polish championsThis year, Lumumba plans to attend the match between the Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs scheduled for South Africa later in the year. He is also in the advanced stages of planning his trip to Tanzania for the Kariokor Derby between Yanga FC and Simba FC.”I want to express my gratitude to CS Namwamba for funding my trip to Libya. It was the highlight of my life. I have visited Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, and Uganda. Additionally, I am planning to go to South Africa to witness the match between Orlando Pirates and Kaiser Chiefs,” he disclosed.For Lumumba, the lifting of the FIFA ban on Kenyan football will open doors for him to travel to more countries as a fan. He further expressed his gratitude to the CS for ensuring that the country is among the hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as well as the African Nations Championship (CHAN).Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are set to co-host the 2024 edition of the CHAN, pending successful stadium inspections. He encouraged fans to turn out in large numbers and support their teams during the events, just as they filled the stadiums during the CECAFA U18 tourney.”I call on fans to come out in large numbers and fill the stadium. I am in talks with the fans of Kenya and Uganda to encourage more fans to fill the stadiums during the AFCON matches. I want to thank the Western region fans for filling the stadium during the CECAFA U18 tourney,” he offered.Looking ahead to his eventual demise (as is the natural course of human life), Lumumba envisions his casket being paraded like a championship trophy, with his final journey marked by chants, cheers, and perhaps even a tearful referee blowing a symbolic final whistle. This takes the phrase “rest in peace” to a whole new level for Lumumba—it’s more like “rest in pitch-perfect glory!””When I die, fans should take me to all the stadiums to bid me farewell before laying me to rest,” he concluded.All set for Mozzart Bet Cup as 36 teams register
