Siaya's Dero FC and Siger FC receive inspiration from Gor Mahia legends and fresh support

Dero FC players and managers alongside Gor Mahia legends listen to Eliud Owalo during a motivation session at Nyilima Sports Ground. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Siaya County’s Dero FC and Siger FC are brimming with renewed hope after receiving inspiration and support from Gor Mahia legends, alongside a donation of 60 tracksuits courtesy of the Eliud Owalo Foundation.

The event, held at Nyilima Sports Ground and Siger Primary School on Saturday, was graced by Hon. Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Performance and Delivery Management, and several former Kenyan football stars.

Dero FC players and managers alongside Gor Mahia legends listen to Eliud Owalo during a motivation session at Nyilima Sports Ground. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Among the legends present was former Gor Mahia striker James Goro Oronge, who shared words of wisdom with the young footballers, encouraging them not to abandon their dreams despite the challenges they face at the grassroots level.

“The road to success is never easy, but you should never give up on your dreams. Football is a powerful tool for changing your life and your community, and it’s important to keep going, no matter the obstacles,” Oronge said.

Eliud Owalo with Gor Mahia legends Bobby Ogolla, Peter Dawo and Micke Otieno at Nyilima Sports Ground. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Oronge also stressed the significance of mastering the 5Ss of football: Speed, Skill, Strength, Stamina, and Strategy.

“These five elements are crucial for any young footballer looking to reach the top. Speed allows you to outpace your opponents, skill helps you maneuver on the field, strength builds resilience, stamina keeps you going for 90 minutes, and strategy gives you the edge to outthink your competition,” he explained.

Dero FC players and managers alongside Gor Mahia legends and Eliud Owalo during a motivation session at Nyilima Sports Ground. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Peter Dawo, a Gor Mahia hero known for his incredible heading ability during the club's victorious 1987 Mandela Cup campaign, took the time to inspire the players by sharing his expertise in goal-scoring.

“Scoring goals is an art, and it’s all about timing and positioning. You have to be in the right place at the right time, and when that moment comes, you need to make it count,” Dawo said, reflecting on the discipline and determination it takes to become a top scorer.

Siger FC players and managers alongside Gor Mahia legends listen to Eliud Owalo during a motivation session at Siger Primary School . [Washington Onyango,Standard]

The event also featured other Kenyan football legends such as John "Bobby" Ogolla, Austin Oduor "Makamu," George Onyango "Fundi," David Ochieng "Kamoga," Tobias Ocholla "Jua Kali," Micke Otieno, Laban Jobita, and Gerald Omollo "Chonjo," all of whom have played significant roles in shaping the history of Kenyan football.

Their presence further motivated the young players, with many expressing their excitement and determination to improve their game.

Siger FC players and managers alongside Gor Mahia legends listen to Eliud Owalo during a motivation session at Siger Primary School . [Washington Onyango,Standard]

The donation of the tracksuits was part of the Eliud Owalo Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support and uplift youth in sports across the country.

Hon. Owalo, who has been instrumental in nurturing grassroots talent, emphasized the importance of empowering young players to realize their potential.

“I continue to support young talent because I believe that untapped talent needs to be noticed and nurtured. My mission is to ensure that these young players have the platform they need to succeed,” said Owalo.

Dero FC players welcome to Eliud Owalo at Nyilima Sports Ground. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

He also urged the players to remain committed to their development. “Work hard, train well, and never give up. Success is the product of persistence and dedication,” he added.

Owalo encouraged the football fraternity to elect leaders who have the sport's best interests at heart in the upcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections.

Eliud Owalo (C) shares a light moment with former Gor Mahia captain Austin Oduor (R), Bobby Ogolla and goalkeeper David 'Kamoga' Ochieng.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

“Football has become one of the biggest income earners globally, and we need to elect officials who understand the game and have the interest of football development in mind,” he said.

The two teams, Dero FC and Siger FC, are now more motivated than ever to achieve their goals, with the support of their community and the advice from football legends ringing in their ears.