THE FAMOUS MANCHESTER UNITED TEZO

                                 THE FAMOUS MANCHESTER UNITED TEZO

As earlier highlighted, the need for a better talented crop to represent Tezo community in a major competition rose. The mushrooming clubs in the local Tezo league was enough sources to meet the much-desired need. The much revered young atomic could not meet the communities demand though it did us proud.

A meeting was convened at Farris bar and restaurant to share the verdict and report to the then area chancellor the late Mwambeni who had offered to help the needy community out of its poverty. He had watched the Nigerians triumph at the 1996 Olympics and though he was in his early 80s he bought the idea hoping that it will be watered.

Early board of directors was installed. The team manager was Gambo Mwambeni and George Tune was the playing coach. They were mandated to sell the bold idea to all talented boys. By early 1997 a substantial group had been gathered to kick start the possible project.

Registration of all the boys was done with the social services at the District league. Early registered players were Chilango Ngelenge, Tunje(Ford) the by then Captain, Erastus Mabibo, Sunday (Oliseh), the late trio of  Saidi, Athuman and Sanga, Bahati Mwasambu, Idi Fundi, Sammy Mrima, George and Sammy Tunes, Dhula, Kiboko, Mwakamsha Harrison, Charles Bao (mzungu), Charles Yawa while Harrison, Victor and Mwangome were the successful transfers made from the sibling clubs. All these talents had been discovered at the secondary district levels and the Primary school ball games. Tezo league become unpopular as Majaoni were guided by Kajiwe Juba to the same level instigating a rivalry. The heat was felt at the Atomic Amery and though at its infant stage the hazardous Nuclear plant was perfectly installed.

The season saw Manchester united Tezo record mixed results. Coming second, behind water football and earned the provincial league promotion.

 Kalume was signed for undisclosed fee from Majaoni sports. Charles Yawa and Saidi Mwaro were not for sale despite Atomics interest. Emorro who had hung boots after a successful career at KARI (Mtwapa) become the coach replacing the aged George Tune. Ikpeba was elected the assistant secretary while Athuman the late deputized in the Managerial role.  

He was so tactful and communicated effectively to all of us. He was fond of all young boys and even recruited several boys in Bahati Primary school. Taifa Harrison, Habel Randu (Taribo west) Alii Badi(Babayaro), Kitsao and Katana Samuels, Fredrick  and Kennedy Mbwanas, Kalume, Kwarula, carridhozo (Abdhalla), Said sulubu, Karisa (Dubai), Juma (Ricat), Rodgers Mapema, Kasena Kalonzi (Mike Okoth) Kamili Ponda and many others.These boys were popularly known as vijonjonjoloka for salamanders and jocko.

Finishing top at the provincial league and unbeaten, Emorro was hired at his native club in Mtwapa to revive the Utafiti Club.

Victor came to the coaching post as much expected and as much as he loved the game left for a professional leaf. Now Salim Mramba guided the boys to the second position in the super two leagues. The next huddle could not be met.

Several boys had joined to bust the scured at its last kicks. Makange brothers, Japhet Yeri and Kabiri joined and immediately James Makange took the ball rolling managing in the different sectors of the team. The passion of soccer at Tezo still exists and the age grouping in all gender highlight how deep the roots of the plant anchors.