The founder of the Mathare United Youth Sports Association Robert Munro commonly known as Bob Munro sadly passed away on Sunday at his home in Westlands, Nairobi. Bob Munro was more than just a man behind the scenes; he was a beacon of hope and a true architect of Kenyan football, particularly for the youth in the Mathare slums and beyond.
Bob’s contribution to Kenyan football is immeasurable. His unwavering belief in the potential of young players from the underserved Mathare region saw him give countless individuals a chance to showcase their talents on the football field. Under his visionary leadership, Mathare United became a force to be reckoned with in Kenyan football. It was under his stewardship that the team won the prestigious Moi Golden Cup in 1998, defeating the favourites AFC Leopards in a historic final at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani. The memories of then Captain Francis Kimanzi lifting the trophy and celebrating with thousands of fans from Mathare will forever remain fresh in our memories. That victory not only solidified the club’s reputation but also served as a beacon of inspiration for young footballers across the country.
The legacy of Bob Munro is written not only in trophies but in the careers of some of Kenya’s greatest footballers. Through his work, players such as Dennis Oliech, Titus Mulama, Salim Ali, Anthony Kimani,Matthew Ottamax, Duncan Ochieng, Simon Mulama, Asman Ngaywa, Walter Odede, Francis Ouma, James Saruni, Jesse Were, Wyillis Oburu, Kepha Aswani, Jamal Mohamed, Arnold Origi and thousands more were given the platform to rise, many going on to represent the country on international stages, with some securing spots in top European clubs. His contribution was not just about developing footballers but about shaping lives, giving hope, and creating pathways where none existed before.
Bob Munro’s vision extended far beyond football. His work has impacted many young people in Mathare and beyond, inspiring them to dream bigger and work harder. He showed that no matter one’s background, with the right support and guidance, the sky’s the limit.
As we bid farewell to this great man, we celebrate his life, his dedication, and his profound impact on the game of football in Kenya. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, and Mathare United will forever stand as a testament to his hard work, passion, and commitment to uplifting Kenyan football.
Rest in peace, Bob Munro. Your contributions will never be forgotten, and your legacy will continue to live on through the players and communities you helped shape.
