Former Harambee Stars player Oboya says Wanyama deserves appreciation

MOZZART Bet Country Manager Sasa Krneta flanked by Deputy Country Manager Akino Wakai (left) and Mozzart models juggling ball during the launch of ‘Hit the Longest Winning Multi-bet’ and win an Urban Cruiser Promotion at Parklands Sports Club, Nairobi. Sept 30, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Former Harambee Stars player Patrick Oboya believes Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama, who announced his retirement from international football this week, should be appreciated by the government.

Oboya says the defensive midfielder, former Auxerre striker Denis Oliech and former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga should be honoured by the government.

“The trio made the country proud; these are individuals who played in the Champions League,” Oboya told Standard Sports.

“Wanyama achieved the lofty feat of being the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League- for Tottenham and Southampton, Mariga won the coveted Champions League trophy while Oliech was a great force in the French Ligue 1.

“It is on this notion that I believe Football Kenya Federation and the government should give them a honourable send-off,” Oboya said.

Harambee Stars's Captain Victor Wanyama playing against Comoros in their Group G match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Kasarani stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Oboya was speaking yesterday in a function where betting firm Mozzart Bet launched a lucrative sports bet promotion where players will get a chance to walk away with a Sh2.9 brand new Toyota Urban Cruiser.

“I think this promotion by Mozzart Bet is a great new idea and the lucky Kenyan who will win it will get a great economic uplift,” Oboya said.

Mozzart Bet Marketing Manager Frank Ochieng hinted that his organisation is currently working on a plan to support a sport initiative to be launched by Oboya soon.

“Oboya has the interest of sport at heart, we are about to partner with his initiative meant to nurture sporting talent in the society,” Ochieng said.

Oboya, who is a coach cum player at his South B All Stars FC, said his foundation is aimed at giving back to the society.

Ochieng says Mozzart Bet support for Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz FC is still strong with their hopes that the Kakamega-based outfit will finish the league in a very respectable position this season.

This weekend, Mozzart Bet will sponsor the inaugural Peter Sholei Memorial Cup in Kitale tomorrow.

“We are will donate jerseys to participating clubs and also give out trophies and prize monies,” Ochieng said.