In the world of sports, some individuals leave an enduring legacy that transcends the game itself.
Peter Mayoyo, affectionately known as ‘Big Machine,’ is one such individual who has made an indelible mark in both the sporting and academic realms.
From his early coaching days to his current pursuit of a Ph.D.
Mayoyo’s coaching journey commenced in 1989, when he embarked on a path that would lead him to become one of Kenya’s most influential sports figures.
His early years were marked by a unique moniker, “Big Machine,” which he attributes to his substantial achievements and his students’ and players’ excellence.
His philosophy, “My body is big, I have achieved big things, and my students and players have also excelled, and that is why I am the Big Machine,” underscores his commitment to success.
Although Mayoyo participated in football at Mbale High School without a competitive edge, his true prowess shone in the realm of hockey.
He participated in continental club competitions and representing the national team.
“Education took a centre stage in my life and therefore I was not able to play football competitively but had a shot stint with Re-union which featured in the Kenyan Premier League then referred to as the Super league,” he said.
However, his passion for football never waned, and his journey would soon take an extraordinary turn.
Mayoyo’s coaching journey received a significant boost when he was posted as a teacher in Mombasa in the late 1980s.
His trajectory shifted when he participated in a teaching exchange program between the Kenyan government, Holland, and Hungary in 1988.
The program led him to the Netherlands, where he underwent intensive coaching training.
“I came back with a KNVB certificate and that is where my interest grew and became a full coach in high School,” he recalled.
Mayoyo achieved remarkable success in his coaching tenure at Mombasa High School, where he secured his first national title within four years.
He continued to lead his teams to victory, winning several more titles throughout the years.
His coaching prowess led him to St. Anthony’s Boys High School – Kitale in 2014, where he finally clinched his first title with the “Solidarity Boys” in 2019 where they secured a hard-fought victory over Dagoretti High School with a nail-biting 5-4 post-match penalty shootout at the Moi Stadium Kisumu.
Notably, Mayoyo’s influence extends beyond the pitch.
He won the under-16 national football title in 2018 and followed up with an under-16 African title later that same year, with his team defeating Nigeria in the final.
Many players who have been under his guidance, such as Kenya Police Coach Francis Baraza, James Kibanda, Ian Karen, and Moses Mudavadi, have gone on to successful careers in football in the Kenya’s football scene.
“I have nurtured very many players and coaches. The list is long. Almost the entire Nalia Squad has my players, Bandari and Kenya Police. I have done a lot of football and will continue to do more,” he added.
Currently, Peter Mayoyo is in the process of completing his doctoral studies in Kiswahili at Egerton University, with his graduation anticipated later this year.
