Shift Academy Nurturing Talent and Fostering Growth Through Sports

September 10, 2024

In the heart of Kwale, a dream was born. The inception of Shift Academy earlier this year was more than just an idea—it was the culmination of passion, talent, and vision. What began as a small-scale project known as Shift for Waa Sports, supported by Base Titanium and powered by SambaSports Youth Agenda, has now blossomed into a beacon of hope for young sports enthusiasts in the community.

As Shift Academy emerges from the ashes of its predecessor, it carries with it a legacy, a tale of dedication, and the undying spirit of development through sports. Like a phoenix rising, Shift Academy is not just about building athletes; it’s about molding young minds, creating opportunities, and fostering a culture of excellence.Shift Academy’s journey began by selecting 60 boys from friendly matches between various local teams—Kombani Youths FC, Juventus FC, and Kitivo United, among others. After a rigorous trial at Kombani Forces Ground, the team was whittled down to 30 players. Guided by esteemed coaches such as former SS Assad head coach Ali Mwachaunga, Mukasa Amboko, George Hannington Ojwaya, and Juma Zani, the boys began their training, setting the stage for a remarkable journey.

Over the next months, Shift Academy played 20 friendly matches, recording 10 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. These matches were not just a test of their footballing skills but also a testament to their resilience. From a thrilling 7-0 victory against Nairobi West Prison to their hard-fought 1-1 draw with Magongo, the team demonstrated heart and determination. “We saw the future of Kwale football in these boys,” remarked Coach Juma Zani. “It was more than just about winning—it was about learning, growing, and pushing beyond limits.”With a record of 48 goals scored, Shift Academy has showcased raw talent. Led by their top scorer Abdallah Matere, who netted 13 goals in 19 appearances, it stands as a testament to the potential that lies within the academy. These young athletes have garnered attention from scouts, including those from Tusker Youth, who are now following the progress of some of the players.

The team’s journey is marked by several notable achievements. One of the highlights of the year has been Shift Academy’s impressive debut at the Bongwe Gombato Soccer for Peace Tournament. Despite being eliminated in the quarter-finals, the boys showed immense talent and grit in their first appearance at this prestigious event.The success of Shift Academy also extends beyond the football pitch. A shining example is Said Khalid, whose exceptional performance earned him a move to SS Assad, a team that plays in Kenya’s National Super League (NSL). His transfer is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the academy’s ability to nurture talent and create pathways for young athletes to achieve their dreams.

“This academy is more than just a training ground,” said Coach Ali Mwachaunga. “It’s a launchpad for the next generation of football stars who are destined for greatness.“

While the team’s accomplishments on the pitch are notable, the true achievement lies in its transformation from a project into a fully-fledged academy. Shift Academy now stands as a structured institution, focused on providing consistent training, mentorship, and development opportunities for Kwale’s youth.SambaSports Youth Agenda has always believed in the transformative power of sports. Through the academy, they aim to promote holistic growth, instilling discipline, teamwork, and leadership qualities. “Sports is not just about the game,” emphasized Mohammed Mwachausa, Executive Director of SambaSports. “It’s about building character, creating leaders, and giving these young talents a chance to shine not just on the field but in life.”

However, like any worthwhile endeavor, the journey of Shift Academy has not been without its challenges. The training schedule, for instance, has often clashed with local team programs, making it difficult to maintain consistency. Yet, despite these obstacles, the academy has continued to press on, driven by the belief that sports can be a catalyst for community development.At the core of Shift Academy’s mission is the belief in Sports for Development. Through football, these young boys are not only honing their athletic skills but also learning valuable life lessons. The academy provides a platform for these youth to explore their potential, gain exposure, and build confidence. It fosters a sense of belonging, giving them an opportunity to be part of something larger than themselves.

The academy is a perfect reflection of how sports can be a tool for social change. By engaging young people in structured sports activities, Shift Academy helps reduce crime, promote health, and empower the next generation of leaders. “Through football, we are shaping futures,” said Coach Mukasa Amboko. “These boys are not just athletes—they are ambassadors of change.”As Shift Academy looks to the future, there is no doubt that it will continue to be a powerhouse of talent, discipline, and excellence. With support from sports and development enthusiasts, and the unwavering commitment of SambaSports Youth Agenda, the academy is set to nurture the next generation of football stars and community leaders.

In the words of Captain Faisal Ali, “Shift Academy is more than just a place to play football—it’s a home, a family, and a place where dreams come alive.“

The journey has just begun, and with each step, Shift Academy is poised to leave an indelible mark on Kwale’s sporting landscape. It stands as a reminder that with determination, teamwork, and the right support, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

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Meet The Team

Copyright © Samba Sports Youth Agenda. 2023
Nsinazo Waraka
Director

Director Nsinazo Waraka is a Dynamic, Detail-oriented and Collaborative professional with broad experience in Senior strategic leadership and advisory roles.

Holding a Master of Science Degree, Development Finance, from University of Reading, UK, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Sociology, Na. Nsinazo brings to the board a wealth of unbeatable experience in financial management and audit, policy analysis, strategic leadership as well as a passion for women empowerment.

Having worked for more than a decade at the Central Bank of Kenya, and managing a Media institution currently, SambaSports is safer in relation to tenets of financial accountability, PR and strategic visibility.

Dr. Mwanasiti Bendera
Director

Dr. Mwanasiti Bendera is the current Director, Natural Resources Management and Infrastructure, at the Coast Development Authority.

A firm but soft spoken Motivational Speaker, Dr. Mwanasiti holds a PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Ecology, from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

She also holds a Masters Degree, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, from Egerton University.

Being a local girl, born and raised in Kwale County, Msambweni area, It is utter magical to have Dr. Siti in the board, as she signifies triumph from the perception that coastal people, especially girls, either don’t value education or just don’t do well. Studying Chemistry to a PhD level for a local girl is beyond pride, …it is testament to the fact that Impossible is an illusion.

Norah Chao
Director

Holding a Masters Degree in Strategic Management from Kenya Methodist University, and a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Human Resources), Director Norah brings onboard an oversight capacity on the management aspect of the organization, particularly on Staff Welfare and wellness.

Director Norah works as a Human Resources officer for Teachers Service Commission, and she has achieved so much in terms of organizing the work force, capacity building and motivation of human resources.

Aside from her core work, Ms. Norah is an avid champion of Girls and Women Empowerment, which is a core pillar of our work at SambaSports Youth Agenda. To that end, she founded Nahugombe CBO, which is the platform she uses to engage girls and young women in Kinango, through Life Skills trainings and other strategic initiatives to prevent Sexual and Gender Based Violence, especially focusing on preventing Teenage Pregnancies in Kinango Sub county.

Joria Sudi Mwakwambirwa
Director

Director Joria Sudi is a Program management expert, with at least 10 years of experience, managing projects at high levels, on behalf of a host of reputed international organizations.

Holding a Masters Degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, Director Joria brings a wealth of expertise to the board, in terms of program planning, management and oversight.

As if that wasn’t top drawer enough, Director is finalizing her Diploma in Counselling Psychology from Amani Counseling and Training Institute, to augment her authority in the current dynamic spheres of program management, where the Globe is keen on Mental Wellness.

For @SambaSports Youth Agenda, Mental Wellness, community care and relational well-being are foundational to all our projects, therefore, it is well fitting to have oversight personnel that appreciate and influence that aspect of our work.

Part of her great work has been appreciated at Forum for International Cooperation where she has steadily grown through the ranks since 2013, Chemonics International Inc., Kwetu Training Centre, Kwetu Training Centre, and many more.

Nicholas Kisara
Director

Director Nick is a tested and proven management consultant, thriving in the banking sector as an award winning Sales Manager over a span of 16 years.

Winning annual Sales awards at Barclays Bank (2009), Barclays Bank (2010), NIC Bank (2013), and Chase Bank (2015), Director Nick has been a proven force in his management duties at the highest levels in banking, something that he brings to the table at SambaSports.

Apart from sales management, Director Nick thrived as a Relationship Manager at Housing Finance Limited, bringing on board top leaders and influencers to the bank during his tenure.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Leadership from the Management University of Africa, and Bachelors of Business Management from Mount Kenya University, Nairobi, Director Nick is not just a management consultant, but also an avid community engager, passionate contributor to Youth empowerment initiatives.

For SambaSports to have Director Nick sit on the Board is a massive win, and a catalyst for transformative attitude cultivation in our programs.

Director Juma Nassoro
Director

Director Juma Nassoro is an astute Community Program management expert, with at least 8 years of project management experience with reputed organizations, across the coastal region of Kenya.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from the University of Nairobi, Director Juma exudes skills and significant capacity matrix in the field of Environmental management, Climate Action, Agriculture, Mental Health, ICT, Data & Analytics, Life Skills and Entrepreneurship.

Over the last 8 years, Director Juma has left legacies from his Management roles at National Cohesion and Integration Commission (Community Policing Trainer), KEMRI ( Tumikia Project), Global Trauma Project, and currently Program Manager at HERI-Kenya ( Health & Environmental Research Institute.

Director Juma brings dynamism, passion and a lens of diversity to SambaSports Youth Agenda.

Mwanaisha Kuwania
Co-Founder, Gender & Special Programs Coordinator
Coming from a Media background and a renown thespian, having graced the stage on Participatory Educative Theatre with SAFE Pwani organization, and also involved in local soap operas on national television, Mwanaisha found her niche with community development, with a special lens on girls empowerment.
Having come from a village life in the interior of Kwale County, Mwanaisha was met with restrictive cultures and traditions, with even parents not fully appreciating the power of arts and other alternatives in empowering girls and boys in general. Through that experience, Mwanaisha has found the passion, the zeal and commitment to use arts, skits and values infusion, to lift girls and young women to their dreams.
Apart from her Diploma in Mass Communication  from Aviation College, she has, over the years at SambaSports, gained unbeatable skills and experiences in Facilitation skills, Value Based Education, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Child protection, Life Skills techniques and Mental Health support through the Kumekucha, Kumekucha Quest models and the tree of Life Model of mental health sensitization skills gained from her two weeks training in Zimbabwe.
Mwanaisha comes along as a charismatic young female leader, who has held forte for most of the female SambaSports team members, who joined SambaSports as volunteer Girl mentors under her coordination.
Mariam Mohammed
Drug Abuse Counselor

Mariam has a background in Community Development and Social Work. She is a trained Mediator and Trauma Counselor. Mariam is a ToT on Value-Based Education and an ambassador to Young Cities. She shares a considerable amount of experience in her work with the community playing various roles as Girl Child mentor, Trauma Counselor for youths and adolescents, and mediating. Mariam is a long-serving Project Assistant for the Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Induction project. She shares the unending passion for community service also traveling and socializing describe her best interests.

Abigael Ndizi Kavithu
Member

Abigael is an enthusiastic and passionate mentor for adolescents in school with a reputable public speaking ability. She is pursuing education at Kenyatta University. Her interest in child protection has seen her pursuing a certificate in child and drug abuse counselling at Amani Training Institute College. She has been a member since 2018, seeing herself be part of several projects including the Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Induction (ASRHI) and Kumekucha Quest. Abigael enjoys inspiring and influencing healthier behavior among adolescents—sees herself as an agent of change.

Riziki Hamisi Mwakusirikwa
Member

Riziki shares a wealth of experience in community development. She is trained as a trainer of trainers adequately in several areas including life skills, crime prevention, and counselling. Riziki is also pursuing a diploma un counselling psychology at Amani Training Institute College. She is an active advocate on GBV, land issues, women and youth mentorship. Her love for the community has seen her through various projects including Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Induction (ASRHI), Shared Futures Project, and Kumekucha Quest