- Nana Owiti’s heart is heavy as she mourns the loss of Ulinzi Starlets coach, Joseph Mwanzia, a man whose presence forever changed her world
- Through the pain, she recalled the unforgettable moments they shared, from football triumphs to their playful rivalry over Manchester United and Arsenal
- His passing has left a deep void, particularly in the Kenyan football community as many await details about his burial
The shocking news of Ulinzi Starlets head coach Joseph Mwanzia’s passing sent ripples through the football community, but for Nana Owiti, wife to rapper King Kaka, it was a deeply personal loss.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, September 21, 2024, Nana opened up about the bittersweet memories she shared with Mwanzia, a man she described as both a mentor and a cherished friend.
Nana’s heart poured out as she recalled their first encounter—a meeting that would tie their lives to the world of women’s football.
“I first met Coach Mwanzia through my aunt, who, like him, was a founding member of the Starlets. His passion for the game and his ability to inspire those around him was infectious,” she began.
With these words, she painted a picture of a coach whose love for the game was matched only by his commitment to uplifting women’s football.
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Mwanzia’s passing left a gaping wound, not just in the hearts of his family—his wife and two young children—but in the wider football community.
The man who had led Ulinzi Starlets to three consecutive FKF Cup titles had become a beacon of hope, a figure who pushed his players to achieve greatness against all odds.
“Under his leadership, Ulinzi became an unstoppable force. I watched them climb from a county-level team to the very top, undefeated,” Nana recalled, her words tinged with admiration and sorrow.
But it wasn’t just his tactical genius that Nana admired—it was his humanity. She shared the painful memory of the final months before his death, a period marked by illness and missed games.
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“I remember the Maafande Derby vividly. Coach wasn’t there—he was in the hospital, fighting for his life. They lost 4-0, and it broke my heart,” Nana recounted, her voice heavy with the weight of that moment.
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In one of their final conversations, Mwanzia, from his hospital bed, tried to comfort her.
“He told me, ‘Nash, I know you’re upset, but don’t worry. I’ll get you the cup.’ Even in his darkest hour, he was thinking of others, always the coach, always the motivator.”
Beyond football, Nana revealed a side of Mwanzia that few outside their circle knew—a playful man with a passion for Manchester United, which often clashed with Nana’s loyalty to Arsenal.
Their friendly banter over the Premier League added a lightheartedness to their friendship, a bond that will forever remain etched in her heart.
