The Who
Collins Olimba otherwise known as Coach Collo is a dedicated Football Coach, the Founder & Executive Director of Cheza Sports Academy, and the Board Chair of Cheza Sports Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya. With a strong background in mathematics and a passion for empowering young athletes, Collins combines football coaching for kids and youth with academy management. He is fluent in English and Swahili, skilled in IT, and experienced in strategic planning and public speaking. Collins holds various coaching certifications and has volunteered extensively in football-related organizations. He is a future prospect for UEFA A and Pro Licenses and a Master’s in Sports Management.
The What
Coach Collo is committed to nurturing young talents through personalized coaching, strategic planning, and mentorship. Coach Collins emphasizes safe play practices, effective communication, and innovative approaches to sports training. He actively engages with the community and serves as a spokesperson for the academy, promoting the values of sports and empowerment. His goal is to create a positive and transformative experience for young athletes, both on and off the field.
His coaching philosophy revolves around fostering a growth mindset, encouraging discipline, teamwork, and instilling a sense of responsibility in our players. We prioritize personal development as much as football skills, recognizing that character and values play a vital role in shaping successful athletes.
Latest Stories
Whipping Dreams into Reality: My Coaching Odyssey with Balecho’s Magical Left Foot.
In the vibrant football landscape of Mikindani, Mombasa, my coaching journey began at Cool Boys F.C. in 2009. Little did I know that this adventure would lead me to the discovery of a nine-year-old prodigy with a left foot so special, it could outclass players twice his age. Young, raw, and full of potential, this talented kid was none other than Eric Naaman Balecho. What made him stand out wasn’t just his impressive left foot; it was also the backdrop of a football-loving father, a regular player for the Mikindani Wazee, with his son trailing behind, faithfully carrying boots – a dynamic duo known as the Balecho Senior. A powerful message echoed: parents, never underestimate the impact of your involvement in your child’s talents. As fate would have it, my coaching stint in Mombasa was short-lived. Transferred back to Western Kenya and juggling university life, I couldn’t shake off the magnetic pull of coaching and football. Fast forward to 2013, now in Nairobi as a campus student and part-time coach at Cheza Sports Academy. The story takes an exciting turn as Cool Boys talents, including Balecho, keep in touch. Finally, the stars align, and some of my former players reunite with their coach. Notably, Balecho, now a 14-year-old, spends his school holidays in Nairobi, showcasing his skills for Cheza Sports Academy. Post his form four studies, Balecho becomes a key player for the team, leaving an indelible mark. In 2017, he plays a pivotal role in securing victory for Cheza Sports Academy in the FKF Nairobi Sub County league, earning promotion to the county league. Adding to his impressive record, Balecho contributes to South B United’s Safaricom Chapa Dimba squad, reaching the National Semi-Finals at Kinoru Stadium, Meru, in June 2019. This is more than a coaching journey; it’s a tale of nurturing talent, family dynamics, and the sheer magic of a left foot that’s been whipping dreams into reality. Balecho’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, dedication, and the extraordinary journey that unfolds when passion and potential collide on the football pitch.
Coach Collo’s Playbook: Empowering Youth, One Goal at a Time.
In the bustling heart of Nairobi, Kenya, one name echoes through the football circles and inspires young athletes – Coach Collo, the enigmatic football guru, whose passion for the beautiful game knows no bounds. Meet Collins Olimba, the dedicated football coach, founder of Cheza Sports Academy, and the driving force behind the Cheza Sports Foundation. Coach Collo’s story is not just about training kids and youth on the football field; it is a tale of transforming lives through sports and education, like a symphony of goals and dreams unfolding with every touch of the ball. From the dusty streets of Nairobi to the pristine football pitches, Coach Collo’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Armed with a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and computer science, he approaches coaching with a strategic mindset that elevates the game to new heights. At the helm of Cheza Sports Academy since 2013, Coach Collo orchestrates a harmonious blend of football coaching and academy management. His vision goes beyond scoring goals; it aims to empower young athletes to become well-rounded individuals, merging sports and life skills into a symphonic dance of success. As the Executive Director of Cheza Sports Academy, Coach Collo deftly oversees organizational operations, ensuring that the mission and values resonate with every kick of the ball. He leads by example, nurturing the staff’s growth through training and development, much like a coach molding raw talent into future stars. Not just a coach, Coach Collo embraces his role as a mentor, guiding players to be not only skilled athletes but also responsible citizens who prioritize safe play practices. His coaching philosophy extends far beyond the field, fostering teamwork and customer relations, making him a maestro of player conditioning and player management. His passion for football has also led him to serve as the Football Grassroots Leagues Coordinator for the Football Kenya Federation, registering and coordinating teams, schools, and academies in the FKF U13 & U15 Leagues. From grassroots to professional levels, Coach Collo’s influence reverberates throughout the Kenyan football landscape. But his commitment doesn’t stop there. Coach Collo’s heart beats for the community, as evident in his volunteer work with the Cheza Sports Foundation, empowering young talents from all walks of life. He has spread his wings to coastal Mombasa and western Kakamega, coaching young players and igniting the flame of passion for the sport. From founding Cheza Sports Academy to leading the Cheza Sports Foundation, Coach Collo’s endeavors continue to touch lives. His dedication to youth empowerment led him to establish the Kenya Association of Football Academies, further solidifying his legacy as a football philanthropist. Off the field, Coach Collo possesses the art of public speaking, captivating audiences with his eloquence in both Swahili and English. His achievements extend beyond coaching; he has been instrumental in significant tasks like the Michuki Park Task Force. As Coach Collo’s symphony of success continues, he eagerly looks to the future. With aspirations for UEFA A and Pro Licences, and a vision of pursuing a Masters in Sports Management, he aims to leave an indelible mark on the global football stage. In the vast world of football, Coach Collo’s name shines bright, and his legacy illuminates the path for aspiring athletes. With every kick and every goal, he continues to compose a masterpiece of empowerment, inspiring generations to come. As the sun sets over Nairobi, the city knows that the maestro of football will rise again, conducting a symphony of dreams and a chorus of triumphs.
