Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Thursday met with the newly crowned national boys’ football champions, the Highway Secondary School football team, as they prepared for an 11-day tour in Romania.
Sakaja hosted the team at City Hall, where he extended his heartfelt congratulations for their outstanding performance while assuring them of his government's unwavering support.
Highway Secondary School from Nairobi’s South B area recently clinched the national title in a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory against Musingu from Kakamega at Gusii Stadium, earning them the honour and the opportunity to represent Kenya in Romania.
During the meeting, Sakaja emphasised the importance of education alongside sports, urging the team to strive for excellence both on and off the pitch.
Sakaja shared his personal experiences as a student at Lenana School, where he overcame challenges to excel academically, encouraging the players to make the most of their opportunities.
"As a Form One student at Lenana School, I performed poorly because of being bullied, but I made a decision in Form Two to better my best, and from that day, I was a top student," Sakaja recounted.
"This is your opportunity to better your best."
The governor also addressed concerns about the safety of the school’s football pitch, which has been under threat from land grabbers.
He reassured the team and the school community that his government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, would ensure the land remains protected.
"I will be engaging the Ministry of Education to guarantee that the land where the school’s football pitch is located is safe. Don’t worry, it will not be grabbed," Sakaja affirmed.
In attendance was the European Union Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, who also congratulated the team on their success and encouraged them to enjoy their trip to Romania.
The meeting was a moment of celebration and inspiration for the Highway Secondary School football team, as they embark on an international journey that promises to be a significant chapter for the young lives.
