John Bobby Ogolla, the current City Stars coach, is a legend in Kenyan football. Commonly referred to as Bobby, Ogolla is a man of white hair and deep voice. His journey to coaching has been long, but his determination has seen him rise to this rank. He is also a defender to boot.
Some of the facts about Bobby.
10. He was a player for both Gor Mahia FC and the national team Harambee Stars in 1970s and early 1980s.
9. He was nick named the ‘six million dollar man’. Due to his physical strength in the field. It was not easy to pass him, his defensive skills were awesome.
8. He helped Gor Mahia to win CECAFA Cup in 1980, 1981 and 1985.
7. He assisted the former Harambee Stars coach Reinhard Fabisch in coaching the national team. A combination that saw Harambee Stars reach the Africans Cup of Nation.
6. He has a vast experience in coaching. He has coached different Kenyan clubs such as Rayon Nyanza FC, AFC Leopards, Sofapaka, Gor Mahia and City Stars.
5. He has served Gor Mahia FC for 14 years, both as a coach and as an assistant. He saw the club win different titles including Sportpesa Premier League, Go TV Shield and the Top 8 Cup.
4. He assisted different international coaches. Bobby Williamson, Zdravko Lugarusic and Frank Nutal.
3. In 2010, he was suspended from Sofapaka for poor results. He blamed it on strenuous work with poor pay.
2. He is the first Kenyan to play CECAFA finals both as a player and as a coach. In 2015 as Gor Mahia coach and in 1980 as Gor Mahia player.
1. He is a strict disciplinarian even though he interacts freely with players.
By Felix Vincent. O
