Balo calls on players to embrace social media

Former football player turned coach Ronald Okoth has called on local players in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League to embrace technology and tap into the vast potential that social media brings into the current world, more so as a player. Balo, as he is known, has made a really good brand for himself and the former Sofapaka player credits most of his ventures are as a result of wisely investing in the social spaces.

“How you package yourself really matters. The small details people take for granted, what you post and put outside there portrays you as a professional or as a joker,” he states.

In this age and time, surprisingly, it is still very difficult to find Kenyan players on social media, and if they are available, it is no surprise that their accounts were last active a year or so ago, something that the one time Gor Mahia man has emphatically called on every player to act upon by adopting the online platforms to brand themselves.

“Opportunities really exist in our game. One of our biggest problems is that we do not respect our profession. If you wait for someone else to celebrate you when you cannot celebrate yourself, then you are losing. As an individual, you must create your own brand as a person,” he said.

And Ronald is not talking out of inexperience; the founder of Ronald Okoth Academy has landed jobs from telecommunication giants Safaricom and advertising companies just because of his active online presence and following.

Currently, he is a brand ambassador for various organizations including Equity Sport, Komborrah Sports and Talanta Bora Emerging Stars Football Academy and in conclusion he leaves the players with one message to ponder over.

“Nobody will vouch you if you can’t do it personally,” he concludes.