Ex-Mathare United players pay tribute to Bob Munro
President William Ruto decorates Bob Munro with the Elder of Burning Spear on December 12, 2024.
What you need to know:
- Former interational Dennis Oliech, a member of Mathare United’s second generation, recalled Munro’s unwavering belief in youth football.
- “His policy has seen many become good leaders in various institutions. He believed in hard work and was good at identifying talent at an early age. Those who worked hard succeeded in their football careers,” said Oliech, who also played for Nantes, Auxerre, Ajaccio in France, Dubai CSC, and record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia.
The football community, including former Mathare United FC players, continues to pay glowing tribute to long-serving football administrator Bob Munro, who died last Sunday at his home in Westlands, Nairobi.
Munro is remembered for his immense contributions to the development of football in Kenya, from grassroots to the professional level.
Former international midfielder Austin Makacha, a member of Mathare United’s golden generation that lifted the prestigious Moi Golden Cup in 1998, highlighted Munro’s impact on professionalising the local league and nurturing young talent.
“He was a mentor and a visionary administrator who was always available to advise the youth. He identified talent at a young age and developed it. We have lost a great man who changed many lives. May God rest his soul in eternal peace,” said Makacha, who also played for AFC Leopards, from his base in Dubai.
Another former international midfielder, Simeon Mulama, who played alongside his twin brother Titus in the same Mathare United team, praised Munro’s dedication to youth development.
“Bob gave the youth an opportunity to become whatever they wanted in sports. Most of us have continued excelling in football matters because of his mentorship skills,” Mulama said.
“We will dearly miss him, but his legacy will live on forever. His demise is a big loss to the whole country. I send my condolences to the family and friends.”
Mulama, who also represented AFC Leopards and the Harambee Stars, helped Kenya compete for a ticket to the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations. After retiring from competitive football, he pursued coaching through a soccer scholarship at the University of Missouri, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
Former interational Dennis Oliech, a member of Mathare United’s second generation, recalled Munro’s unwavering belief in youth football.
“His policy has seen many become good leaders in various institutions. He believed in hard work and was good at identifying talent at an early age. Those who worked hard succeeded in their football careers,” said Oliech, who also played for Nantes, Auxerre, Ajaccio in France, Dubai CSC, and record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia.
Dod Kenyatta, a long-serving Gor Mahia supporter, also joined in mourning Munro.
“On behalf of Gor Mahia followers all over the world, we join the football community in mourning a great football administrator whose legacy will be remembered forever,” said Kenyatta.
Munro, 82, will be cremated next Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the Kariokor Crematorium. Ahead of the cremation, several events have been lined up to honour Munro’s legacy and contributions to Kenyan football.
On Monday, a church service will be held at St Andrew’s Anglican Church to allow family, friends, and fans to eulogise and celebrate Munro’s life.
Additionally, a procession will take place on Saturday, where his body will be taken to the Mathare Youth Sports Academy (MYSA) for viewing in Komarock. The academy is renowned for nurturing and shaping many of Kenya’s top football talents.
Mathare United is also planning a commemorative match in Munro’s honour, though the date has yet to be confirmed.
