KCB FC goalkeeper cashes in Ksh100,000 Mozzart Bet cheque at boyhood club

The Santiago Grounds in Makadara lay dormant until last Friday, when Elvis Ochoro, a man who knows every inch of the pitch, quietly walked in with a basketful of goodies.

The open field, where young men and women from Makadara chase their football dreams daily, had been deserted after an overnight downpour rendered it unplayable.

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But it quickly sprang back to life as soon as word spread that one of its own, a boy shaped on the uneven and unforgiving surface and moulded into an independent man, had returned, with dozens streaming in from across the estate to catch a glimpse of him.

Although he is no stranger in Makadara, what made his return extraordinary was the promise he made during a live match to come back and support young players at Hakati Sportif, where his career began while he was a primary school pupil.

And indeed, the goalkeeper, who was named the Man of the Match as KCB FC beat Nairobi United 1-0 in a Mozzart Bet Cup quarterfinal clash, played on Sunday, 3 May at Ulinzi Complex, kept his word.

The KCB shot-stopper produced a series of crucial saves to help his side preserve their slender advantage until the final whistle, sealing a place in the semifinals in the process.

Weeks later, after promising to visit his boyhood club and donate sporting equipment, he fulfilled his pledge.

However, he first redeemed his Man of the Match humanitarian cheque and purchased sports equipment worth Ksh100,000 before embarking on the short trip to the outskirts of Nairobi’s Central Business District.

Ochoro donated 15 footballs, 30 cones, a full set of uniforms, two sets of markers, two pairs of gloves, boots, and 20 bibs.

“I am delighted to return to the place where I launched my football career several years ago. It gives me immense joy to donate sporting equipment to a club with a rich history of producing talented players.

When I started out, I dreamed of moments like these because I understand that talent must be nurtured and supported to flourish,” said Ochoro, who is nicknamed Oblak.

The former Nairobi City Stars custodian, who rose to the country’s top tier in September 2020 from Sportif, was quick to acknowledge that he would not have been able to give back were it not for the game-changing Mozzart Bet initiative.

The Humanitarian Cheque, introduced in 2023, is awarded to the outstanding player in each match from the quarterfinal stage of the competition onward.

“I am grateful to Mozzart Bet for allowing players to uplift others. This is a commendable initiative that demonstrates the true power of sharing and the impact football can have on society,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ochoro, who spent four months at the renowned Senegalese academy Génération Foot in 2019, advised young players from Makarada to reject invitations to abandon football for crime or other negative vices.

He urged them to remain focused, expressing confidence that many would soon attract offers from clubs competing in the National Super League (NSL) and the FKF Premier League.

“This area is full of talent, and I believe that with the right mentorship and support, a good number will reach the top level. I acknowledge that there are factors that could lead them astray, but I urge them to keep their eyes firmly on the ball,” he added.

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