Growing up, my parents (even though my dad was a great footballer) didn't get a chance to watch me play competitive football or attend my regular football training sessions. I don't blame them because that was a different era where sports were seen as an extracurricular activity that had limited remuneration compared to the current situation where things are a little better.
Golden Goal For A Golden Boots!
As a child, I use to play barefoot until the age of around 14 years whereby a well wisher by the name Helge from Norway donated a pair of football shoes after scoring a fantastic and the only goal during the tournament that was organized in his honor known as the Helge's Cup in 1996 played at the St. Benedict parish field along Thika road.
I can remember vividly, I was the only player in the match, without football shoes (boots) not only from our team but also including the opponents.
The match ended 1-0 in favour of our team Helge Sports F.c and we played against an all-star side from Mathare United youth.
In the subsequent years that is 1997, 1998 and 1999 I was honored to have been selected as part of the MYSA team after going through a competitive and challenging selection process from the 16 MYSA zones. The selected team of the best 16 players would proceed to the Norway Cup, in Norway to represent Kenya in the prestigious annual international youth tournament.
As a nation, we are still struggling to develop a vibrant sport economy, but sport can be one of the top contributors to GDP and a powerful vehicle to unite all as seen in other developed nations. I have great testimonials of how playing football has contributed to my development either in education and international exposures.
The Journey
I will continue supporting my children and all the kids under our program through Wilsen initiative (Wi) www.wilseninitiative.wordpress.com to be who they want to become through training and mentorship using football as a vehicle towards a prosperous future.
I won't force them to be like me, but I will encourage them to be more and I will create for them different experiences which will lead them into their desired dreams. Child development in sports and creative arts are two great pillars at Wilsen initiative (WI) where we mobilize for soccer shoes, uniforms, balls etc. to support kids whose parents who can't afford the equipment living in the underserved communities.
We also create an avenue for the kids to develop in other skills through training and mentorship which are based on the ASK model (Attitude, Skills and Knowledge).
For any type of support you can always reach me through wilson.masaka@gmail.com
In the picture;
The Masaka Family :)
Quite a special day 27.08.22 whereby together with my wife Lela we travelled to support Debrah and Adrian during their trip to EMBUL-BUL in Kajiado County.
This was during the football exchange program organised by Wilsen initiative (Wi) and Gudush Academy based in Mathare North.
Do More / Be More / Be Different
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