Four wins in their first four games, 20 goals scored and none conceded. The record of Kenya’s most Italian soccer team—and also its most socially conscious, as it was founded with the goal of keeping kids away from the temptations of Malindi’s suburban streets—is that of champions and has an entire sports-loving town dreaming.
But behind the dedication of the young players and the educational efforts of manager Joseph Nyababwe and coach Davis Badili lies the great passion and financial backing of an Italian who has lived and breathed sports for many years in Italy and who, as an entrepreneur on the Kenyan coast, has done nothing but good—providing jobs to many people and helping fellow Italians in need, while always keeping an eye on social issues and disadvantaged youth.
Pasquale Pes, main sponsor of Real Malindi, is contributing to this initial success in the league, after last season, with significant financial investment and unfortunately without support from other Italians, he led the team to the playoff finals to qualify for the regional league of the Coast, a sort of Kenyan Serie C. Every month, Pasquale covers the costs of training sessions, away games, lunches, and match bonuses—but that’s not all: last year, he also enabled the management to “sign” three star players for the team by convincing them to join by paying their rent in Malindi.
This year we’re trying again; for the soccer academy created by Malindikenya.net in 2009, it would be an incredible achievement and a source of great pride. But with a president like Pasquale Pes and with young players so motivated and focused on our mission—which is not just about sports, but about hope for a better life—dreaming is possible. Four games, 12 points—go Real Malindi!