Our thinking

Forever in the game

24 January, 2025

In our Christmas Friday 5, we highlighted the pioneering work of the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) in Kenya. It is with profound sadness that we reflect on the passing of Bob Munro, the visionary founder of MYSA and Mathare United Football Club last weekend.  

In 1987, Bob established MYSA in Nairobi’s Mathare, one of the largest and poorest slums, to channel the power of sports for social change. Under his leadership, MYSA successfully integrated sports with community service programs like environmental clean-ups, education, and HIV/AIDS awareness. His approach nurtured athletic talent while instilling life skills and a sense of purpose in young people often facing challenging life circumstances.  

Before founding MYSA, Bob was working with the United Nations, which he left (frustrated by inaction) to create real, tangible change on the ground. He fought against entrenched corruption in the sector, and helped professionalise the Kenyan Premier League, earning him the title “Father of the KPL.”  He stood by his principles, even when it put him and his family in great danger.  

Our connection with Bob and MYSA dates back to 1999 when we established Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Since then, Laureus has raised over £250 million, and positively impacted hundreds of thousands of young people annually. MYSA was the first project that was funded and continues to operate in Nairobi, engaging over 50,000 children weekly in structured activities that promote both personal and community development.  

Bob Munro’s pioneering work in using sports as a tool for social change has inspired countless others and will continue to influence future generations. He was more than a pioneer; he was a mentor, a leader, and a friend. As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his extraordinary legacy that continues to inspire and change the lives of thousands.    

By Sirisha Venkatesh