Rest in peace Masanta Osoro
Samson Masanta Osoro, the supremely talented defender/midfielder who played for Kogalo between 1975 and 1978 has passed on. Osoro mostly played in defence but unlike many defenders of that era he showed excellent technique, smooth/deft touches and was a brilliant passer out of the backline where played alongside Mike Ogolla “Machine”, Paul Oduwo “Cobra” amongst others.
(Additional reporting from Daily Nation)
Born in Nyanchwa Village of Nyaribari Chache, Osoro was instrumental in Gor’s success in the mid 70’s but was not in the team that reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup, losing to Canon Younde of Cameroon in 1979.
One of his team mates, Allan Thigo, praised the former player who died two weeks ago.
“We were always confident with Osoro in the backline. He knew how to calculate his tackles and rarely played dirty,’’ said Thigo.
It is after he retired that John Bobby Ogolla, who joined Gor in 1976, actively took up the role in defence. Born on December 9, 1954, Osoro worked for Kenya Airways and later Car Shine company. He died on October 18.
A fund raiser was held yesterday to meet his funeral costs. He will be buried on Friday at Daraja Mbili Mwamogesa in Kisii town. He leaves behind wife Anne Njambi and four children.
(Courtesy Daily Nation)
Osoro was part of the talented Kogalo squad that won the league unbeaten in 1976. Along with Jerry Imbo and Allan Thigo, he was one of the most exciting players on the field. The hard tackling Simon Nyatome who was from the same region as Osoro, also played for Kogalo during that era. The exploits of that 1976 are documented in another article that can be found at this link : http://www.gormahia.net/unbeaten.html
May he rest in peace
RIP K’galo legend. How I wish the club had an official mpesa business account where we could send our contributions for our departed hero? Perhaps B.Branch could start one if only it could take off.
RIP Masanta Osoro, though Admin you will forgive me at least for once on this particular mourning period of our deceased hero.
I still recall the “black tuesday” mid week league involving GOR MAHIA and KAHAWA CANONS in 1975 as young fan at CITY STADIUM when Masanta while playing for the soldiers prior to joining KO’GALO could not contain the skills and artistry of GEORGE “BEST” YOGA and decided to poked his fingers into his eyes during a corner kick foul as GOR was leading 2 goals to nil.
Immediately after the final whistle KOGALO fans could not stomach his “dirty play” and as such all hell broke loose and there bloody skirmishes between fans and police until the whole of kahawa barracks had to be called for re-enforcement.
SO OUR LEGEND ALLAN THIGO IS WRONG TO IMPLY THAT MASANTA NEVER PLAYED DIRTY TRICKS ON THE PITCH.
R.I.P OSORO
My heartfelt condolence to K’ogalo, family and friends of the late Masanta
We valued his immense contribution to the club and even lifted the league cup with K’ogalo in 1976.
Perhaps the best we can honor him is to initiate a benevolent fund for K’ogalo to cater for this unfortunate eventualities. Food for thought to the branches. I suggest this fund be managed by a committee. Or if there is already such, well and good.
Finally let me thank the committee and all the persons who contributed towards giving our fallen hereo a decent sendoff. In times of grief such as this one, let us stand together and continue the spirit of comradeship. May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.
Ogango Trailer
Nice trip down memory lane. You should regale us with more stories about that golden era. Including stories about your namesake , “Ogango Wuon Pap” who many consider the best ever.
Once a gor Mahia stays gor mahia in life and in death;my prayers go to the family of the fallen hero Osoro.