Uhuru Soccer History

2004 Founding (Early years, the Origin, Pioneers, why it was founded)

The clubs was initially started as a social and recreational church game among Kenyan friends to strengthen friendships and get to know/meet other Kenyans as well as to stay close as a Kenyan Community. Among the first players was Dagi, Cliff, Edsel, Chakisha, Prof, Manyange, Evans, Soyack (These Three were Roommates) and others. There was no formal structure to the club, there was no social media, and communication was by flip phones and face to face at church meetings. Players had to carpool to different locations to play because not everyone was driving. There was always a strong and close knit friendship among the players. Leaders later emerged as the membership grew drawing the attention of Kenyans all over Houston. Among the leaders was Dagi (Baba) who was the sponsor, Jared (Team Manager), Labo (Team Spokesman) and others.

Club Name (How did it come about?)

The club name was suggested by one man Ewawa (Mosoti) who thought it was an appropriate name which is Swahili for Freedom because the club was going to be open to any player from any country to be a member long as they abide by the club rules and regulations. The club has since had variations of the name including Uhuru Soccer stars and Uhuru F.C. (Football Club).

Club Traditions

· There is always a meeting after games followed by a prayer

· There is seniority in the team with the senior player being those who have played longer

· Each year there is three tournaments named champions league, FA cup and Memorial Cup

· We support each other in times of need

· Games are played every Sunday whether it rains or shines

2005 Playing Fields

The first game was played at the West chase field on Bellaire. The team also played at the west airport field that was just a park at the time with long grass but nobody cared long as there was a ball and some space to run the ball into. Soon the field became small as the number of players continued to grow. The team then decided to play at Fondren Middle school at Fondren and Braeswood intersection. The field was not very good and there was always the possibility of being chased away by the school administration. The search went on for a better playing field including playing at pearland where the team sponsor lived at the time as the field had lights to play after sunset when we played an opponent who happened to be his car supplier by the name Mauricio. Turns out those games were also used to promote his car dealership/mechanic shop as he would later sell multiple cars to our players. The team also played at Eldridge Park and Settlers Way Park close to Settlers Way Elementary School (one of the Muddiest fields we played).

2006 Lost Creek Park

The final playing filed was discovered by Enforcer (Kevo) at Sugarland (Lost Creek Park) while he was on a mission that nobody knows. Having played on very bad fields with long grass and poor topography, playing at Lost Creek was like a new found Tuff. The fields were very well maintained, the grass was cut almost weekly, we had multiple fields to choose from, the parking was huge and we never left until present. These fields became our home ground for all games and tournaments. It was not always smooth though because we had maintenance guy who always chased us from the fields that were supposed to be reserved. We stayed stubborn on a weekly basis hoping he would give up. Out team sponsor was always quick to speak on our behalf and plead for mercy but sometimes we just had to move to other fields.

Playing Time (How was it decided)

The team originally played on Sunday morning having been predominantly a Seventh Day Church team. Games were played from 8 am until people could not walk anymore and that was around 1 pm when the scorching sun was too much and we ran out of drinking water. Few players were married so not a lot of household responsibility was required except going to work. Some players used to work the previous night, come to play and then still go back to work at 3 pm or 4 pm (The love of the Game). As the membership grew the playing time became an issue because of the different denominations and different views. There was a need to play other teams who wanted to play on Saturdays and other players were missing games because they wanted to go to church as well on Sundays.

(2008) The Division, the rift

Because of the disagreement about playing time factions emerged among the players with some advocating that we have two playing days and that would be Saturday and Sunday so as to accommodate both parties. The club leadership remained firm stating that the club origin was rooted in Adventism and there was not going to be games on Saturdays as that would contradict the church beliefs. A debate ensued about changing the playing times from Sunday morning so as to accommodate those going to church on Sunday. Many suggestions were made including Saturday evenings. In the end a mediator emerged by the name Philip who suggested to play Sunday evening as it is currently the practice. This change of time was genius because it allowed the Sabbath goers to keep their day holy and the Sunday keepers to go to church and have time to come play. It also ended the factions and divisions that had been created in the club and re-united the players because everybody was happy. Had there been no solution to this dispute the club was facing a split that could have basically been a result of a religious or denominational difference.

Club Colors

The first uniform the club had was blue jerseys with a yellow V-neck and a yellow seam on the sleeves. This uniform was worn with black shorts. Rumor has it that one man Mosoti (Ewawa) donated these uniforms for the team. The team later upgraded the uniforms during a trip to Dallas to play against the Dallas team. The uniform was all red jerseys, shorts and socks with the Uhuru name in front of the jerseys in white and white stripes outside the chest area. The team also had an alternative uniform that had white jerseys with red name Uhuru in front and red shorts and socks. In 2015 Dagi sponsored another set of uniforms this time all yellow both jerseys and shorts but the jerseys with the name Uhuru printed in Black became popular with most players preferring to wear the jerseys with black shorts. In 2018 the club launched a new design of jerseys that was red with yellow stripes on top of the shoulders and a combination of blue and yellow diamonds lining the right side of the jersey vertically. This is currently the official club uniform.

Ownership and Finances

The club is owned by the members. The club has not always had a formal leadership. It was initially run by the pioneers and other volunteers who saw the need to initiate some positions in the club. However in 2006, as the membership grew and there were decisions to be made about travelling, arranging opponent teams and deciding club rules there was a consensual decision to have elections and officials who would run the club. It was initially agreed on to have elections every year. The positions were Team manager, Team treasurer, and assistant manager. Others did not want to lead and be a part of the club politics so in the end the last election was held in 2010 and those officials have assumed office since. However, the club established a new system of leadership with the dawn of WhatsApp where there is a council that handles decision making and often debates issues facing the club.

The club also established a membership fee that would ensure the club had money to buy equipment and sponsor other events. The club also collects late fees for players who do not show up on time as a way to instill discipline in the club. These finances are used to fund club activities. In addition the club has recently attracted the services of the Opande Law Firm who have become an official sponsor for the club. Besides these fees the club relies on its members to donate and contribute towards events and community activities.

In the community

Uhuru soccer frequently participates in community events including fundraisings, and social work. The club supports young players who are developing talent even internationally (Africa and elsewhere). The club sponsors youth tournaments to promote positive living among the youth. This is done by giving monetary funds, donating soccer gear including jerseys, shoes, balls and shorts. The club participates in giving aid to families who have faced death, long hospital stays due to illnesses or accidents and even those facing legal battles. We host events annually to bring families together and socialize. These events include thanksgiving tournament, Easter holidays, memorial holiday and even Christmas and new years. The club welcomes players from all corners of the world; we are non-discriminatory. There are players from Kenya, Congo, Rwanda, Tunisia, Egypt, USA, Europe, Mexico, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey and many more.

Honors

2007 Uhuru vs Congo Won 2-1

2007 Uhuru vs Dallas Tied 1-1

2008-2010 Uhuru vs Rwanda (4 times?) Won all Games

2018 Uhuru vs Peru (CJ Barca) Lost 8-5

2018 Uhuru vs Wakanda Won 7-4