They say that miracles sometimes fall from the sky, but that often you have to go looking for them or wait for them with faith and determination.
And where the equatorial sky seems closer to human suffering, there you understand that the sphere of the imponderable does not respond to physical or geometric rules and miracles do not fall and do not happen so easily.
So the young people of the Furunzi suburb of Malindi, who struggle every day for the dignity of an existence whose minimum requirements should be guaranteed to all (but what is the point of pointing this out every time, when in other parts of the world even the right to live is not guaranteed. Full stop), do not expect miracles, but they are performing a small one.

The Real Malindi football team, an expression of a community-based organisation (CBO, as they are called here) that we help to self-finance, is showing all young people who love sport that a healthy and shared present can be an example for everyone and save many young people from the streets and its dangers.
The motto, or rather the equation, as those who have been following us for years know, is “education + sport = life”.
To be part of the team, you have to do well at school. You can be the Cristiano Ronaldo of Muyeye or the Messi of Kibokoni, but you'll stay on the bench watching those who are a little less talented than you but much more studious. That's why, on paper, winning is not child's play, even if they are.

However, before talking about the sporting results, which, like the tip of an iceberg, melt even faster than a Facebook post at the equator, I want to tell you about this year's social results:
After the promotion of the senior team, which is financially supported by Pasquale Pes, a serious entrepreneur with a generous soul who has always believed that sport is the salvation of young people, Real Malindi Academy has formed a women's team, which has already competed in several district tournaments, and has reorganised the under-15 youth team, which is top of its league, thanks in part to its social partner Karibuni Onlus, which assists with schooling and more.
These are the fundamental foundations on which to build a community, because through training, young people and girls learn discipline, mutual respect and respect for their opponents, the importance of teamwork and supporting one another. These are essential things in the difficult life of the Kenyan suburbs, to save oneself from the temptations of an existence that seems easier but brings with it the misfortunes we too often witness: crime, drugs, child prostitution, sexually transmitted diseases, domestic violence and so on.
Because it is easy, especially for those who have lived in Malindi and its surroundings for a long time, to complain about the increase in youth crime and the deterioration in quality of life compared to the past, without bothering to take a look at society and the problems that arise. Doing little and often doing it badly, to clear their conscience or with the verve of a saviour who must also be thanked.

This academy is something else. Even before solidarity, it is an act of social responsibility that we at Malindikenya (since 2009), through the proceeds of our advertisements, Karibuni Onlus Odv, Pasquale Pes, this year's sponsor, the Salento beach resort Bahia, and unfortunately no one else, with a few small but indispensable private donors, are trying to support.

And this season, to conclude, the response of the senior team, put together with some financial effort and motivation from patron Pes, as a newly promoted team, has seen them top the district championship and, with three games to go, they could go on to play in a mini playoff tournament to be promoted to the higher coastal category!
Miracles, if they happen, do not happen by chance here. That is why we invite all those who have not yet done so, or who have not supported the most educational and social team on the coast for some time, to support this project and feel part of this miracle.

If you have not yet made a contribution to REAL MALINDI, knowing that from now on the money goes directly to the team, you can do so, even with a small amount (with Mpesa, even a few pennies are enough, by giving up a pizza or a beer).
MPESA: PAYBILL 522533 – ACCOUNT NO.: 7879070 (the name Real Malindi CBO will appear)

Or in Kenya for a more substantial donation:
BANK ACCOUNT: KCB BANK – MALINDI BRANCH – A/C 1330055632 – REAL MALINDI CBO