Sports continue to shape young people in powerful ways, and the recent conversation on Mwelekeo TV with Mathew Malusi showed how this works in real situations.
In his talk with Fridah Mongare, Malusi explained how structured sports activities guide youth in Kamukunji and other Nairobi areas toward discipline, teamwork, and better choices. His views are based on what he has seen personally and through the work of the Simon Mbugua Foundation, where sports are used as a practical tool for change.
Malusi once played football for Castle Dads FC, Makama FC, and Msa Mesa Youth. His path changed after a knee injury that ended his playing hopes. At the time, support for injured players at the grassroots level was almost nonexistent, and most had to pay for treatment on their own.
Even with new rules from the Football Kenya Federation that require medical support for teams in higher leagues, many young athletes still struggle at the lower levels. Malusi’s own experience made him decide to help others who face the same challenges, and this pushed him into leadership at the Simon Mbugua Foundation.
The foundation uses sports to keep young people active and focused. Teams in Kamukunji often lack money for league fees, which limits their chances to play and improve. To solve this, the foundation pays these fees, which add up to about six hundred and fifty thousand shillings.
This allows young players to stay involved during weekends and avoid falling into risky habits. The foundation will soon start doing the same for basketball teams, giving more youth a chance to grow. A major tournament is also planned, with prizes designed to help winners earn income.
The rewards include a thirty three seater matatu for the top men’s team, a fourteen seater for second place, a car for Uber for third place, and two motorbikes for fourth. Women’s teams also get strong rewards, including an Uber car and motorbikes. Every team that joins receives some support to keep them motivated.
But the work goes beyond sports. The foundation has paid school fees for four students who were kept out of class because their families could not afford the costs. Those learners are now back in school and preparing for exams. In Diggo near California in Kamukunji, residents lived without water for six years. The foundation stepped in and helped install a large water tank and pipes, saving families from long walks and high water prices. These small actions improve daily life and give communities a sense of relief.
Kamukunji has a long history in football, yet its progress slowed due to weak structures and politics. Malusi believes in rebuilding this strength by starting with young players aged twelve and thirteen. He says sports pull people together, reduce idleness, and build confidence that helps youth even outside the field. This can guide them toward jobs or keep them from early responsibilities that limit their future.
Girls also benefit from sports. Teams like Githurai Stallettes prove that women can succeed and lead. This is why the tournament includes women’s teams, giving them equal chances to grow. Fridah Mongare noted that sports give direction and build inner strength, a point Malusi strongly agreed with. He also shared how the story of Simon Mbugua inspires youth because he started from a poor background, worked in simple jobs, and rose through hard work. During the COVID time, he supported residents in Kamukunji with food when movement was restricted.
Many young people want a fair chance in sports, work, and leadership. Malusi feels that older people sometimes block youth opportunities. He encourages stronger action against drugs and more training programs like coaching courses. He believes that platforms like Mwelekeo can help by sharing data and stories that push for better policies.
The discussion showed that sports can open doors when supported with real resources like league fees, water projects, and school assistance.
Through sports, youth learn discipline, teamwork, and the courage to lead.
