When the Nakuru Wazee Premier League 2024 season came to a close, the race for the Most Valuable Player award was fiercely contested.

In the end, it was handed over to Sam Ouko, popularly known as 'Mariga'.

The FC Diamond striker had an outstanding season, finishing as the league’s top scorer.

Narrating his inspiring story to Mtaa Wangu, Ouko says his football journey began at a young age, having grown up in Mombasa in a family of footballers.

His childhood was characterized with watching his brothers play professionally in the Kenya Premier League which further fuelled his passion for the sport.

"Football was always around me. My brothers played professionally, and I was the captain of my neighbourhood team," he recalls.

Sam Ouko poses for a photo after the interview on 11th March, 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

The talent and skills he acquired in these seemingly childish games carried him through his school years and into university, where he received a call-up to play at a higher level.

However, he had to turn down the opportunity as it required him to defer his studies at Maseno University.

“I was determined to balance both academics and football, so I joined teams that allowed me to continue with my education,” Ouko explains.

After graduating, he later moved to Nakuru for work and played for Greensteds FC in the County League before stepping away from professional football.

However, the football bug could not leave him yet. He had to satisfy the itch to get back on the field.

It was then that he founded FC Diamond, where he continues to play and compete in the Nakuru Wazee Premier League.

Last season, his hard work and dedication earned him the Player of the Year award.

"My team constantly pushes me to improve, and scoring 24 goals in a season, despite not winning the title, was a huge achievement," he says.

His target had been to score over 30 goals—a feat he had accomplished before. Although he fell short last year, the MVP recognition was still a proud moment for him.

Beyond football, Ouko cherishes the unwavering support from his family and teammates. This season, his goal is to surpass the 30-goal mark and help his team lift the trophy.

"Outside of football, I enjoy spending time with my family and participating in charity events," he shares.

As a math and sciences teacher, Ouko says he values the connections he has built through the Nakuru Wazee Premier League.

However, a glaring challenge has been getting frequent training sessions which have proven impossible, as many players have day jobs, away from the sport.

This has forced Ouko to take up the training personally. To stay in peak condition, he reveals that he trains diligently in the mornings, evenings, and on weekends.

"Our team doesn't meet daily, so I make sure to keep myself fit beyond match days," he says.

Looking ahead, Ouko hopes to inspire young, aspiring footballers by mentoring them and creating opportunities for them to play.

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