In the annals of Kenyan football history, few names evoke as much nostalgia and admiration as that of Matthew Owino Ottamax. Fondly remembered for his acrobatic saves and reflexes that defied the laws of physics, Ottamax was a true legend between the goalposts. Yet, as he shared through a heartfelt Facebook post, there’s one bitter memory that still haunts him to this day – the CAF Cup clash between Afc Leopards and Kampala City Council.
For Ottamax and his fellow Leopards, the CAF Cup presented a golden opportunity to etch their names in the continental footballing pantheon. But little did they know that destiny had a quirky twist in store for them – a twist that involved misplaced gloves, greed, and painful regrets.
The first leg in Kampala started with an unexpected glitch when Ottamax’s goalkeeping partner, Bernard Ouma, realized he had left his gloves behind. In a stroke of fortune, a sympathetic fan named Mr. Antony Walela came to the rescue, heading to the nearby Owino Market and returning with a pair. However, the enchanted gloves came at a price, as Ottamax conceded two goals in the dying minutes of the game, turning victory into heartbreak.
Returning to their fortress at the Nyayo National Stadium for the second leg, Afc Leopards had a slender away-goal advantage. But trouble brewed within the ranks as a section of senior players demanded their allowances before the crucial match. The team’s unity wavered, and their focus faded, setting the stage for KCC to take an early lead and ultimately secure victory.
Regret lingers like a specter for Ottamax and his teammates, as they wonder “what if” they had prioritized the game over personal gain. Ottamax’s candid reflection on the poor man’s mentality that plagued the players that day serves as a cautionary tale for young footballers aspiring to reach the top-flight professional leagues.
The late Super Chairman Peter Leo Onalo, a 99th-percentile gentleman, had grand plans for the team on that fateful day. But alas, they squandered the chance, and Ottamax mourns the missed opportunity to earn a rare historical spot in the CAF Cup semi-finals, or even the finals.
In the aftermath of that gloomy day, Ottamax’s introspection led him to meet with himself, a metaphorical meeting that delivered a vital lesson in humility. As he ruefully admits, the undeserving hefty bonuses he received that day couldn’t last a week, and the chance to secure a continental victory slipped through his fingers like sand.
But it’s not all tales of sorrow and regrets. Ottamax, true to his witty spirit, takes a playful dig at himself, remarking that his career might have led him to a shiny Africa Continent Winners medal hanging on the wall if he had kept his focus on the game. Alas, life has a way of teaching its lessons in retrospect.
With a heartfelt message for young players, Ottamax urges them to learn from his mistakes. He recalls how Noah Wanyama, then the Team Manager, had tried to guide them on that fateful day. While Ottamax and the team didn’t listen, the young sons of Noah Wanyama, McDonald Mariga and Victor Wanyama, embraced humility and emerged as the most successful Kenyan footballers to grace top-flight professional football.
In parting, Ottamax leaves us with a timeless Swahili phrase – “Tuweke mpira mbele pesa itajileta!” – urging players to put the game ahead of money, and surely success will follow.
As Ottamax’s passionate and witty narrative shows, football is not just a game of skill and goals; it’s also a profound reflection of human character. The lost CAF Cup saga may remain a scar on his football history, but it also serves as a beacon of wisdom for future generations. So, as we celebrate the legacy of Matthew Owino Ottamax, let’s remember the lessons learned from that fateful day, and may the young stars of tomorrow tread the path of humility and greatness.
