“Everyone wanted to be Drogba... now they look up to me” – David Munyua’s journey from fan to inspiration

On the sidelines of a darts week filled with international meetings, Kenyan player David Munyua offered a revealing look into his journey, reflecting on his upbringing, his love of football and how a visit to London shifted his perspective on elite sport.

Munyua made headlines at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship by becoming the first Kenyan to win a match at Alexandra Palace. Alongside darts, football has always been a major passion, and one moment in particular stood out during his time in the UK: visiting Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.

Growing up, watching top-level football was already significant in itself, something he made clear when reflecting on that experience. “I think it was a big dream, especially being at Stamford Bridge,” he told Oche180. “When we were growing up, even now, it’s very big to not only just appear, just to watch the game on TV. That’s usually a big deal.”

Being there in person took that feeling to another level. “Now being into stadium and watch a game live, that was a dream come true,” he continued. “And I think there was a lot of people inspired to just associate themselves with sport, either football, darts, all this.”

His visit carried weight beyond the personal moment. For many watching back home, it helped turn distant ambition into something tangible. “I think it inspired a lot of people as well… and I’m happy about that.”

The conversation naturally turned to Didier Drogba, a figure who shaped Munyua’s early love of the game. “Yeah, for sure. He was a huge inspiration, especially when we were young,” Munyua said. “Everybody would nickname themselves Didier Drogba and this really pushed us in the field. And also we loved watching him play.”

Drogba’s success at the highest level provided a clear reference point for young players far from Europe’s biggest stages. For Munyua, the link between that inspiration and his own journey is now coming full circle. “Going to Stamford Bridge also really did well, especially for the youth who are trying to push their sporting career,” he explained. “When they saw me there, they’re like, ‘This is amazing. It’s possible. We can also be part of this.’”

That shift from observer to example is not lost on him. “Now that is pushing me to do my best,” he said. “It’s amazing for me, I love it.”

With Chelsea still competing in domestic competitions, the idea of returning to watch them at Wembley was also raised. Munyua did not hesitate. “Why not? I would love to, of course,” he said. “I’ll be here this week and I’ll be participating in Pairs, so I’ll still be around. I don’t know which day especially Chelsea is going to be in Wembley, but I’m hoping maybe something might pop up.”

Even with a busy darts schedule, the opportunity to relive that connection with the club remains firmly on his radar.