“In Africa, talent is everywhere, but opportunity is rare. A parent’s job is not to be the coach—it is to be the anchor.”
In African football, talent is as common as the red dust on a township pitch. Opportunity, however, is a rare gem—often missed, mishandled, or lost entirely. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, I had the privilege of listening to a man who has successfully bridged this gap, not as an agent, coach, or administrator—but as a father.
His name is Mr. David Ogam.
He is the father of Ryan Ogam, the Kenyan striker who lit up CHAN 2024 and now plies his trade in the Austrian Bundesliga with Wolfsberger AC. This is not just Ryan’s story—it is a masterclass in intentional parenting in sport.
This is the story every aspiring professional parent needs to hear.

1. Like Father, Like Son — The Real Legacy
   Before Ryan Ogam became a household name, there was David “Thuram” Rabuok—a rugged defender whose football journey ran from Makongeni to captaining Pelico FC in Ngara, playing alongside legends like Arnold Origi, and eventually donning the green jersey of Gor Mahia (2007/08).
   But David’s greatest contribution to football didn’t come from a tackle or a clearance.
   It came from restraint.
   Rather than pushing a “pro-or-nothing” agenda, David chose to be an anchor:
   He defended the right to enjoy football
   Ryan was allowed to fall in love with the game—without pressure, hype, or fear.
   He enforced balance
   Education was non-negotiable. Football complemented school, not the other way around.
   He chose the right pathway
   David deliberately placed Ryan at Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA)—not for quick visibility, but for holistic development.
   This philosophy would quietly shape a professional.
2. MYSA: Where Talent Meets Structure
   Ryan’s football DNA was refined at MYSA, founded in 1987 by the visionary Bob Munro. MYSA was never just an academy—it was a social movement, a model for slum youth empowerment through sport.
   At the Umoja MYSA Centre, Ryan learned more than tactics and technique. He learned discipline, responsibility, and visibility.
   “MYSA gave him the genesis—the chance to be seen,” David shared.
   From Umoja, Ryan was scouted to represent Nairobi, placing him firmly on a national and international radar.
3. Education as a Launchpad, Not a Backup
   When Ryan’s potential became undeniable, David made another strategic decision: school mattered.
   Ryan attended football-strong institutions such as Kakamega High School and Dagoretti High School, where he sat his KCSE in 2022. These were not random choices—they were launchpads.
   David’s advice to parents was clear and sobering:
   “Always have formal scholarship agreements with schools.”
   Why? Because many young players lose their education when coaching staff changes, priorities shift, or promises quietly disappear. Structure protects the child.
4. Navigating the Professional Maze — Patience Over Pressure
   Ryan’s transition to senior football was anything but rushed.
   Rainbow FC (National Super League)
   A loan spell at Elite Falcons in Dubai
   Then, in 2024, a move to Tusker FC
   Under coach Charles Okere, Ryan was converted from a midfielder into a striker—and exploded:
   15 goals in 17 top-flight matches
   While the goals made headlines, David’s role stayed deliberately quiet. He was present at every game, but more importantly, he helped Ryan navigate agent pressure, avoid double-signing traps, and resist short-term enticements.
   This is what anchoring looks like.
5. CHAN 2024 — When Preparation Meets Miracle
   Early 2025 nearly ended the dream. Ryan suffered a serious meniscus tear, requiring surgery in April. CHAN looked impossible.
   But anchors don’t panic.
   Through discipline, rehab, and mental resilience, Ryan returned just in time for a surprise call-up from coach Benni McCarthy.
   What followed was unforgettable:
   The Morocco Miracle – a match-winning goal
   The Zambia Clincher – a 75th-minute strike to top Group A
   Man of the Match honors
   Comparisons to Michael Olunga
   A comeback powered not just by talent—but by structure and belief.
6. Europe Beckons — Wolfsberger AC
   On September 3, 2025, Ryan Ogam signed for Wolfsberger AC in the Austrian Bundesliga. Club President Dietmar Riegler praised his “youthful flair and goal-scoring urgency.”
   Yet even in Europe, David’s role did not end.
   He continues to emphasize:
   Lifestyle discipline (nutrition, rest, recovery)
   Financial literacy (life beyond football)
   Spiritual grounding (humility, gratitude, purpose)
   Because careers are short—but lives are long.
7. And If the Dream Ends?
   Perhaps the most powerful moment of David’s talk was his honesty about Plan B.
   Education continues. Career paths within football are explored. Ryan himself has expressed interest in hospitality and cooking—a reminder that footballers are human beings first.
   “Don’t just raise a footballer. Build a professional.”
   Final Whistle: A Message to Parents
   Ryan Ogam’s rise is not accidental. It is the result of anchored parenting—discipline at home, patience in decision-making, and unwavering support for education.
   In a continent overflowing with talent, the difference is not skill.
   It is guidance.
   Be the anchor—so your child can soar.