The legendary Kempes to set up academy

Courtesy of EA Standard

Former Gor Mahia midfiender Sammy Owino plans to set up an academy in Nairobi.

Owino, who played for the mighty Gor Mahia in early 1980s, is running an academy called AYSES in Texas, United States, where he is based.

He wants to open a Kenyan branch, at Umeme in Nairobi’s Ziwani Estate, where he horned his talent. He held talks with various people, mostly his peers when he visited Kenya recently. He returned to the United States on Tuesday morning.
Owino’s Academy has been producing talented footballers and selling to American and European clubs.

He also said he would be willing to sponsor the national under-17 side to tour United States, among other major plans he has for Kenyan football.

Owino played alongside Nashon Oluoch ‘Lule’, Allan Thigo, Austin Oduor, Paul Oduwo, David Okello, Duncan Migan, Tim Ayieko, Abbey Nassur, Dan Odhiambo, among others.

He was nicknamed Kempes, after the legendary Argentinian and star of the 1978 World Cup Mario Kempes due to his flair, dribbling and ball juggling techniques.
At the height of his playing career, he was among three Kenyans who were named in the African All Stars team to play the rest of the world in 1981. He was with Oluoch and Thigo.

Although he is happy that his club Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are still strong and in good management, he is not happy with the general football standards.
He reckons that Kenya should be in better ranking in African pecking order than where it is currently. He was saddened by the death of many of his teammates.
He also felt pity for clubs like Re-Union, KTM, Ramogi, and feeder clubs like Kisumu Hot Stars, Abeingo and others who have gone under.
He reached many of the surviving players of the Golden Era, among other Neville Pudo, Austin Oduor, Thigo and others. He moved to the United States with Oluoch in 1984 on a football scholarship.
But Oluoch returned a few years ago and taught at Egerton University before venturing into business.

Many fans who attended the Gor Mahia versus AFC Leopards Peace Cup last Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium, were expected to meet Owino, but he failed to attend the match after a heavy downpour pounded parts of Nairobi.
A welcoming party of former Gor legends expressed disappointment when he did not show up.