School Games: How Joseph Okumu is powering Annan Okumu towards national glory

They say lightning does not strike twice, but for Mzee Hillary Ouma’s family, it just might, and for all the right reasons.

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The veteran grassroots coach could soon have two Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) champions to his name, one past, one present, both nurtured under the same roof.

Ouma, a former Chemelil Sugar team manager, is the proud father of Harambee Stars and Stade de Reims defender Joseph Okumu, and Musingu High School captain, Annan Okumu.

Both brothers play in central defence, commanding the backline with authority and poise.

And now, Annan, currently in his final year at Musingu, is on a mission to help end the school’s 41-year wait for a national title.

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Annan revealed the quiet but powerful role his older brother has played behind the scenes, offering tactical, mental, and emotional support in his championship quest.

“We usually talk. Whenever he has time, we go through tactics, and he tells me what I need to do on the pitch,” said the right-footed center-back.

"He’s instilled leadership values in me, just like he lives by. If he’s available before matches, he always offers some insights."

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The two-time Western Region champion believes his brother’s influence extends beyond formations and defending drills.

“He’s a source of encouragement and support. I really appreciate him. Now I just want to repay that belief with the national championship, which we’ve started pursuing on a strong note,” he added, shortly after leading Musingu to a commanding 5-1 win over Moi High School Mbiruri.

Joseph Okumu knows exactly what it takes to go all the way.

He was part of the legendary Kakamega High School team that won the 2014 national title under coach Brendan Mwinamo, who, as fate would have it, is also training Annan at Musingu.

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That 2014 squad, still revered at the institution formerly known as the Government African School Kakamega (GASK), remains one of the finest in the school’s history.

They lifted the national trophy in front of a packed Bukhungu Stadium, edging a spirited Kisumu Day side in extra time.

Notably, that campaign saw the Green Commandoes go unbeaten from zonal level to the national final, without conceding a single goal.

Alphonse Ndonye sealed their title with a late penalty in a tense finale, crowning a run that would later launch several careers into the top tier.

From that class, nearly every player made it to professional football. Among them: Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma and Okumu, now flying the Kenyan flag in Europe.

Now, a decade later, a new Okumu is rising.

And if Annan’s form and focus are anything to go by, Mzee Ouma’s homestead could soon be home to two national champions, both molded in the same backyard, both guarding the same dream.