Samuel Olwande retires from professional football, marking the end of a remarkable career, celebrated with a poignant Instagram post.
Former Kariobangi Sharks defender Samuel Olwande has announced his retirement from professional football in a poignant and heartfelt way that has captured the hearts of fans nationwide.
At 34, Olwande hung up his boots in a deeply symbolic fashion – by sharing a photograph on Facebook page of his boots hanging up, indicating his departure from the pitch.
Alongside this resonant image was an inspirational quote: “And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” –Abraham Lincoln.
The emotional send-off, signaling the culmination of a remarkable career, tugs at the heartstrings of football enthusiasts and serves as a testament to his impactful years in the sport.
![36-year-old Shamilah Kipsiror fires warning shots ahead of Valencia Half Marathon](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/11092023/ccf78bd3-5ea6-46dc-8839-6174d4371fdc.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
11:30 - 11.09.2023
36-year-old Shamilah Kipsiror fires warning shots ahead of Valencia Half Marathon
She believes her win in Nigeria is a morale booster ahead of her fifth Half Marathon this season.
Born on April 12, 1989, Olwande began his journey into the world of football in the vibrant surroundings of Eastlands, Nairobi.
The fifth of eight siblings, Olwande's penchant for football was evident during his days at Martin Luther Primary School.
![CS Owalo's investment plea to Gor Mahia fraternity](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/11092023/a06c67ee-84d3-4c2c-bd1f-751b65dc3d02.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
10:59 - 11.09.2023
FOOTBALL: CS Owalo's investment plea to Gor Mahia fraternity
CS Eliud Owalo has urged retired footballers to embrace investments
His talent was further refined at Ofafa Jericho High School, where he not only made a memorable debut but also led the school team to a county title triumph against Jamhuri High School.
The year 2003 marked Olwande's initiation into professional football. Joining Hakati FC, then part of the FKF Super 2 League, was his stepping stone.
![Thunder on trail as 300 Kibo bikers blaze from Nairobi to Naivasha](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/11092023/58ad3760-6a2f-419f-82ca-3e8054d1cca9.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
10:30 - 11.09.2023
GENERAL: Thunder on trail as 300 Kibo bikers blaze from Nairobi to Naivasha
300 riders tackled Kibo's thrilling "Ride Like a Champ" challenge, showcasing bike robustness and rider expertise from Nairobi to Naivasha.
His dedication and prowess saw him move through the ranks, ultimately landing him a spot with Makadara Youth FC. With him at the helm, Makadara ascended to the Regional League by 2012.
From there, Olwande's journey took an even brighter turn. June 2012 witnessed his breakthrough into top flight football with Oserian FC, a move that solidified his place in the world of Kenyan professional football.
![Tusker’s Jimmy Mbugua reveals two reasons behind his fine restart after long injury layoff](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10092023/52b12129-b545-4763-a806-5efc4b47693c.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
10:00 - 11.09.2023
FKFPL: Tusker’s Jimmy Mbugua reveals two reasons behind his fine restart after long injury layoff
Mbugua, who was named in the FKFPL team of week one, has struggled to find consistency thanks to a series of recurring injuries since his promotion to the first team in 2020.
However, the following year proved to be a roller-coaster. Although initially set to collaborate with Sher Karuturi, the move fell through.
Instead, Olwande found himself donning the jersey for Chemelil. Playing as left back for four consecutive seasons from 2013 to 2016, he showcased consistent performances, even if silverware eluded him.
Olwande's subsequent transitions took him to various renowned clubs, such as Tusker FC, Mathare United, and Kariobangi Sharks, all of which contributed chapters to his illustrious football story.
![Sportpesa 7s: KCB boss Amonde in awe of charges after storming to circuit victory](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10092023/4cf0d1e8-c9ee-4888-a6dc-8a6fbb37dfc6.webp?operations=fit(180:))
09:00 - 11.09.2023
Sportpesa 7s: KCB boss Amonde in awe of charges after storming to circuit victory
The legendary former Shujaa skipper masterminded KCB’s fruitful National Circuit campaign by delivering the Kabeberi sevens title on Sunday.
His tenure with Sofapaka preceded his final professional stint with FC Talanta, with whom he concluded the 2022/2023 season before his grand retirement.
Having represented the Kenyan national team 10 times since his 2019 debut, Olwande's absence will be palpably felt on the football pitch.
![Why Firat will stick to the tried and tested for future Harambee Stars assignments](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/11092023/23d2cadc-372a-4b85-a4a6-1977da545722.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
08:00 - 11.09.2023
Why Firat will stick to the tried and tested for future Harambee Stars assignments
The Harambee Stars head coach insists his process needs to find ‘stability’ ahead of the World Cup qualifiers which will commence in November.
However, his retirement post, underscored by the eloquent words of Abraham Lincoln, serves as a poignant reminder: it is the richness of experiences and memories created that defines one's journey, not just the duration.
As Samuel Olwande bids adieu to professional football, fans and colleagues alike will cherish the legacy he leaves behind.
From the bylanes of Eastlands to the national stage, Olwande's football journey remains etched in the annals of Kenyan football history.