Gospel music star Daddy Owen has openly praised Harambee Stars goalkeeper Faruk Shikalo for his decisive action following the national team’s first victory in the CHAN tournament last month.
Speaking on the Tubonge podcast, hosted by Chris The Bass, the singer applauded Shikalo for requesting inclusion in the affordable housing scheme directly from President William Ruto.
The Historic Victory and Meeting
The praise stems from events that followed the Kenyan national football team’s significant triumph.
The Harambee Stars secured a victory in their opening African Nations Championship (CHAN) fixture against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Following the commendable win, the team had the honour of meeting the Head of State. During this celebration, Daddy Owen noted that the team was expected to pocket Ksh 1 million each from the president.
Maximising the Moment
It was during this high-stakes engagement that second-choice goalkeeper Faruk Shikalo seized a unique opportunity. He interjected the congratulatory moment, urging the President to remember the players for the government's affordable housing initiative.
Shikalo's plea was direct and clear: “Please remember us on these affordable houses coming up,” he requested while shaking hands with President Ruto.
READ ALSO: President Ruto Responds to Harambee Stars’ Affordable Housing Request
Daddy Owen lauded the keeper’s foresight, arguing that such chances to engage directly should be maximized.
“Within that moment when everyone was clapping, Shikalo interjected and requested for inclusion of houses in their rewards. He spoke something that all those players will one day be thankful for him.”
He stressed that merely taking photos or being carried away by celebration is not enough; productive action is essential.
“I can tell you that 30 second with the king. Wanasemanga ile 30 second with the king yeye aliitumia venye infaa,” Owen said.
The singer highlighted that Shikalo, who is a reserve keeper and not a starting player, understood the importance of seizing that window. He estimated that the impactful sentence took only 30 seconds.
Ruto’s Response and the Bigger Picture
The request yielded immediate results. President Ruto promised to organise how the players’ requests would be effected, stating: “I know how I will arrange that. If it is affordable houses you want, I will make arrangements,”.
The singer believes Shikalo’s brief intervention will have a lasting impact. “What Faruk said was going to change the lives of the whole team. The whole technical team, the coaches,” he observed.
For Daddy Owen, Faruk Shikalo’s action demonstrated the crucial lesson of turning a fleeting opportunity into a tangible and life-changing benefit for himself and his teammates.
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