Former Harambee Stars captain Musa Otieno is a man on a mission through his Kick Off to Hope charity organization that focuses on nurturing football talents in Nairobi’s slums.True to its name, Kick Off to Hope intertwines talent development with spiritual growth, using the power of sports and community to transform lives.The organization spreads the message of love and resilience through Christianity, inspiring individuals to find purpose and faith in their journeys.How Benni McCarthy’s expected appointment is a blessing to Harambee StarsIn an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Otieno who is the CEO of the organization shared his journey into salvation and emphasized his commitment to using his past struggles and triumphs as a foundation to guide and mould well-rounded individuals.“My spiritual journey began in September 2004 when I was playing professional football in South Africa. Every time I played, I would score. A friend of mine one day asked me, ‘Musa with all this fame, and you always say you are a Christian, if you die today, where will you go?’ That was the triggering question that marked my relationship with Christ,” Otieno offered.##NAJAVA_MECA_8606329##Reflecting on his playing days, the former AFC Leopards defender admitted that his focus was solely on himself and his achievements.However, he reached a turning point when he began to question the essence of his life without the accolades and recognition. This moment of introspection led him to seek a deeper purpose“During my playing days, everything was just about me. Harambee could not go to any tournament without me. I was a big name and everything was about me. TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo, scouting report, heat map and key passes dataBut I came to realize that all these things will vanish. These are worldly things. But from there, what next?” he posed.When he gave his life to Christ, his perspective of life transformed. He shifted his focus from seeking personal glory to using his talent to serve God. This newfound purpose redefined his journey and guided him to inspire and uplift others.“When I gave my life to Christ, I started viewing life differently. Christ has given me the talent, and that talent, what I am doing with it? Now, I want to elevate God just like he elevated me,” he revealed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8605367##He went on to explain that using football to preach the gospel has proven to be more effective, particularly with children, because it taps into their natural love for the game, unlike church services where lengthy sermons do not work well with kids’ short attention span.“Kids today do not want to go to churches because they have been very boring. But since they love playing football, I am using that to preach the gospel,” he told Mozzart Sport.Through the organization’s pilot project, Vision 47, Otieno and his team travel to various parts of the world and in the country to reach diverse communities and share meaningful spiritual messages.AFC Leopards reveals mid-season transfer strategy“I have traveled a lot both home and away. When kids want to play, we give them kits and pray together. Our purpose is to Pray together, connect, and multiply,” he averred.His favourite scripture? John 3:16.“If God gave us the best (his son), even me who was made in the image and likeness of God should give my best. Sometimes, you do not need to preach, but when people see your dedication to service, they see something in you,” he concluded.##NAJAVA_MECA_8606325##Otieno, a former Ofafa Jericho High School alumni started playing club football for AFC Leopards in 1992.The following year, the lanky defender debuted for Harambee Stars against Zaire before moving to Kenya Breweries (now Tusker) and later joining South Africa’s Santos in the Premier Soccer League, where he spent 14 years, made 311 appearances, scored 38 goals, and won several titles, including the ABSA Cup (2003) and Bob Save Super Bowl (2001).His accolades read like a book, but most importantly, In 2008, he played for Cleveland City Stars on loan, helping them win the USL Second Division title.STARS ABROAD: Masoud Juma on target in Iran as Richard Odada, Jonah Ayunga feature in ScotlandPost-retirement, he founded the Kick Off to Hope while building a coaching career as a CAF B license holder and FKF instructor. He also worked with top Kenyan teams and the national side.The other branches of Kick Off to Hope are in Burundi, the United States, and Germany.
