Today, we celebrate the birthday of Coach Julius Masero, one of the most dedicated and influential figures in school hockey within the Coast region and Kenya at large. A man whose passion for the game runs deep, Coach Masero has spent over a decade building, mentoring, and inspiring young hockey players at St. Charles Lwanga and Mombasa West Hockey Club, shaping them into formidable competitors both on and off the field.
His journey as a coach is defined not just by the silverware his teams have collected, but by his unwavering commitment to growth, discipline, and excellence. Since taking over the hockey programs at St. Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Changamwe, Mombasa, Masero has guided both the boys’ and girls’ teams to historic success, establishing a hockey culture that is the envy of many across the region.
Breaking Barriers and Building Champions
Under his stewardship, the boys’ hockey team famously broke the long-standing Shimo la Tewa rivalry back in 2013, a turning point that redefined the school’s hockey fortunes. Since then, St. Charles Lwanga’s boys have dominated the regional scene, winning multiple titles and consistently maintaining a competitive edge.
Between 2013 and 2017, his boys’ team enjoyed a golden era of supremacy, suffering defeat only once during the 2017–2018 season. At the national level (KSSSA), they have proudly finished third (bronze medalists) three times, including the last two consecutive years, showcasing their consistency and resilience against the country’s top schools.
Photo Credits: Msonopics
Their dominance has also extended to the East Africa School Games, where they claimed a silver medal in 2024 and a bronze in 2025, solidifying St. Charles Lwanga’s place among the region’s elite.
Not to be outdone, the girls’ hockey team has written an equally impressive success story — winning every regional title from 2013 to date under Coach Masero’s guidance. They have also triumphed in five tournaments, standing tall as ambassadors of determination, teamwork, and technical brilliance.
Altogether, both teams have amassed over 20 tournament titles, a remarkable testament to the structure, discipline, and leadership that Coach Masero has instilled in his players over the years.
Developing Talent Beyond the School Grounds
Beyond the trophies and titles, Coach Masero’s legacy lies in the talent pipeline he has built. Many of his former players have gone on to represent some of the region’s top clubs — including Daikyo Heroes, Mombasa West, and Mombasa Sports Club — further strengthening the Coast’s presence in national competitions.
His mentorship has not only fueled the success of school hockey but has also nurtured national-level talent, with one of his protégés, Vincent Wesonga, recently earning a place in the Kenya national hockey team. This achievement underscores the depth and quality of Masero’s coaching philosophy — one that values both skill development and personal growth.
A Pillar of the Hockey Community
Coach Masero’s influence extends far beyond the school environment. As an active member of the Mombasa County Hockey Association (MCHA), he continues to contribute his expertise, time, and passion to the broader hockey community. His involvement in organizing, mentoring, and promoting the sport has made him an indispensable part of the region’s hockey development ecosystem.
Those who know him describe him as a man who wears hockey on his sleeve — ever present on the sidelines, ever encouraging, ever teaching. His infectious enthusiasm has inspired countless young athletes and fellow coaches alike.
A Birthday Worth Celebrating
As he marks another year today, we at the Mombasa County Hockey Association join the entire hockey fraternity in celebrating Coach Julius Masero — a true servant of the game. His legacy is not just in the medals and accolades but in the countless lives he has touched, the players he has shaped, and the hockey dreams he continues to nurture.
Photo Credits: Masero’s Parents 🙂
Happy Birthday, Coach Julius Masero.
May your journey continue to inspire, your passion burn ever brighter, and your love for hockey lead many more young talents to greatness.