In the heart of Eldoret’s Langas area, plagued by social challenges like crime and early pregnancies, emerges a beacon of positive change: Coach Fredrick Owino, affectionately known as Ojode. His transformative efforts with the Western Zone B Division II side, Langas Superstars FC, are rewriting the narrative of the community through the beautiful game.Despite the looming clouds at 4PM EAT in Langas, Coach Owino arrives at the Mwiruti Secondary School training ground, ready for his daily duties. The team assembles, huddles in prayer, and begins their training. This routine not only nurtures young talents but also provides a constructive outlet for the youth, steering them away from societal pitfalls.After a mentor addresses the players about the consequences of negative behaviors, emphasizing discipline and community role modeling, they repeat their customary ‘Mungu tusaidie’ chorus before dispersing.”All along, I kept remembering what my coach in primary school taught me; You are tiny. Take the ball, dribble to the post, and if they touch you, just fall and they will foul and you will earn a penalty,” Coach Owino vividly remembered.Over a cup of coffee, Coach Owino shares his inspirational journey into football. Born 32 years ago in Migori County, his love for the game started at Mariwa Primary School. Despite his family’s reservations about football, he pursued his studies in high school, focusing on academics until a pivotal moment rekindled his passion. From the sleepy village of Chepsamo to breaking the World Marathon record: The Inspiring Journey of Kelvin Kiptum”My dad took me to his shamba (farm) in Awendo, showed me my piece of inheritance, and told me that if I wanted to play football, I should build my own home and play from there, but not in his house,” he humorously explained.During an interclass tournament, Coach Owino received a slap from Mr. Ndegwa, his games teacher, reigniting his love for football. This marked the beginning of his journey from a barefooted player to a successful career in the sport.”We have selected you because you are good. But give us something small to feature for the team,” he bitterly recalled the words of an official.##NAJAVA_MECA_7805137##His dedication and talent led him to Kanga High School, Sony Sugar FC, and even a selection to Harambee Stars. However, a demand for bribes halted his national team dreams. Undeterred, he pursued higher studies and, as a volunteer at Mwiruti Secondary School, rose through the ranks to become a TSC-accredited Chemistry and Biology teacher.”The team is made up of young individuals 18-24 years old. Most are 20. They have a very great future. Two boys and two girls have been selected to join the Nastic Soccer Academy. We want the players to go professional so that they can feed their families,” he averred.Coach Owino’s passion for football couldn’t be hidden, leading the school to numerous successes, including topping the North Rift region in the 2017 Chapa Dimba na Safaricom finals. In 2023, he made headlines by guiding the Uasin Gishu County team to victory in the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Rift Valley title.With Langas Superstars, Coach Owino envisions a bright future, aiming to climb the ranks from Division II to the Kenya Premier League. His ultimate goal is to revive Eldoret as a soccer hub, reminiscent of its football glory days with teams like KCC and Rivatex FC.”Eldoret is a soccer base. I want to return it there,” he concluded.As darkness descends, Coach Owino dedicates his triumphs to his late brother, Erick Ongweno, alias Chiambe. Through rain and shine, his commitment to transforming lives in Langas remains unwavering.
