Beneah Watitwa’s silent legacy in Kenyan football
By Joel Masibo, September 4, 2024
Born in 1970 and raised in Nairobi’s Ofafa Jericho estate, Abdulaziz Beneah Watitwa’s name may not ring as loud as some of Kenya’s football stars, but his impact on the sport, particularly in talent development, is undeniable.
Beneah’s football career started early, and he quickly made a name for himself in the local football scene.
As a young player, he clinched the prestigious Kadenge Cup and was part of the National Youth team that participated in the 1983 President’s Cup in South Korea.
His playing career saw him don the jerseys of various Division 2 teams, including Mvita Red Devils, and from 1987 to 1989, he played for Utalii FC, contributing to the team’s success during that period while also pursuing a career in the hospitality industry at Utalii College.
However, it is in coaching and talent development that Beneah has made a lasting impact. Armed with a Caf D coaching license, he has dedicated his life to nurturing young footballers, helping them realize their potential and achieve their dreams of playing professional football.
In 2002, he founded Friends in Business (FIB) FC in Jericho, a club that provided a platform for young footballers to hone their skills and showcase their talent. FIB became a space for renowned players and coaches who now boast successful careers in the sport.
Experienced goalkeeper trainer Hagai Azande (AFC Leopards), Washington Khamadi (AFC Leopards), Kevin Ateku (AFC Leopards), and David Munda, now based in Saudi Arabia, are just a few football stars who honed their skills at FIB in yesteryears.
Through FIB FC, many players found their way to elite clubs in Kenya and beyond.
Beneah’s passion for youth development led him to establish another club, Parkroad FC, in 2010. Under his guidance, Parkroad FC rose through the ranks to compete in the now-defunct Extreme Super 8 League’s Division One.
His efforts did not go unnoticed, and in 2019, ten players from the league were sent overseas, further cementing his legacy as a key figure in talent development.