Selebwa urges Busia to use Wanyama, Mariga as benchmarks for football growth

Former AFC Leopards team manager and coach Gilbert Selebwa has challenged Busia County to use ex-Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama and former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga as role models for football development in the region.

Selebwa emphasized that the two siblings set a high standard in Kenyan football and should serve as an inspiration for young players and efforts to revive Busia’s footballing prowess.

“Busia is a hub of talent. The first Kenyan and East African player to feature in the UEFA Champions League was McDonald Mariga, and the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League was Victor Wanyama. This alone proves that Busia has the potential to shape Kenyan football,” said Selebwa.

He called for renewed efforts to restore Busia’s reputation as a football powerhouse, reminiscent of the era of Wilberforce Mulamba, who was among AFC Leopards’ finest talents alongside JJ Masiga, Noah Wanyama, and Francis Barasa.

“When you look back, you’ll see many players from Busia who represented the country exceptionally well.

We can proudly say Busia is home to immense talent, but we must ensure our teams compete in the Kenyan Premier League. It’s disheartening that no team from Busia is currently playing in the KPL, meaning no Premier League matches are being hosted in the region,” Selebwa noted.

Now the head coach of HOHA FC, Selebwa is focused on helping his team earn promotion from the FKF Division One to the National Super League (NSL), with the ultimate goal of reaching the FKF Premier League.