[PHOTO/maxnetwork.com]Kenya is blessed with a huge pool of sports talent and at times, it runs in the family. Some of these families have produced some of Kenya’s most accomplished stars.
The Wanyamas (Football)
McDonald Mariga Wanyama and Victor Mugubi Wanyama are arguably Kenya’s most known sporting siblings as they have played and still play for some of the top European football teams. Victor, of Tottenham in the English Premier League, previously played for Southampton and Celtic while McDonald plies his trade with Italian Serie B side Latina, having also featured for Inter Milan and Parma. Brothers Sylvester Wanyama (eldest) plays for Sony Sugar and Thomas Wanyama previously of Sofapaka and now for Mathare United.
The Injera’s (Rugby)
Wilfred Injera’s famous sons of Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera and Michael Agevi, in order of their family seniority, have had tremendous success in the Kenya Sevens team, the former having captained Shujaa for several years. Collins holds the all-time record for a number of tries scored in the World Rugby Sevens Series with 235 and both were part of the Kenyan team that won an inaugural Cup in Singapore last season. Agevi is equally promising and had stints with Shujaa when Paul Treu was in charge. The three have played for Mwamba RFC in the local league.
The Tikolos (Cricket)
Steve Tikolo (with trophy) is widely regarded as the best Kenyan cricket player ever, having scored the most runs and taken the second most wickets for the team in ODI’s. Steve also spent time playing in England and Bangladesh while Tom, another one of the Tikolos captained Kenya in 22 ICC Trophy games, more than anyone else in Kenya’s cricket history. David meanwhile, played three ODI matches for Kenya.
The Maiyos (Volleyball)
Philip Maiyo, Lydia Maiyo (Kenya Prisons, pictured), Thimon Maiyo (Kenya Prisons), Wobestus Maiyo (Nairobi Water) and Brian Maiyo (GSU) all play volleyball for local clubs and national teams. Philip, the eldest of the Maiyo siblings, was ranked one of the best in the Bulgarian Volleyball League while playing for CSKA Sofia before moving to CVM Tomis Constanţa in Romania. Lydia has featured for the national team on several occasions.