Eric Obura has passed on – Rest in peace

Former Gor Mahia attacker Eric Obura has passed on. Obura played for Kogalo from 1992 to 1995.

Obura is among the dozens of top tier players who honed their skills playing at Jericho grounds aka Camp Toyoyo learning under legendary grassroots coach Oti Father. In those days camp Toyoyo was a dry pitch with not a blade of grass.

Prior to joining Gor Mahia, he had played for teams like Speedway, before being recruited by Re Union FC. There he played with the youth brigade of Felix Otieno, Tom Okaya and Mathew Ottamax who joined veterans like John Odie, Ali Timami, Washington Odhiambo and Alex Mwalo.

In 1992, he crossed over to Kogalo at a time when Kogalo were in a goal drought and were desperately looking for a reliable striker. He joined along with a crop of other youthful players like Tom Okaya, Aggrey Obonyo, Tom Ochieng

He would stay at Gor Mahia until 1995 when he left the country to pursue a career in Bahrain where he played for Muharak FC. He then returned for another stint at Gor Mahia.

Upon retirement, Obura has been active in grassroots football. He has also been active in reforming football along with former players like Sammy Shollei. He has also contested for FKF elections.

Earlier this year a tumor was detected on the left side of his head. He had been hospitalized for four weeks. He passed away on Thursday August 8 2019. He will be missed by the football fraternity in Nairobi. May he rest in peace.