It is October 20th, Mashujaa Day. As I sit here, I ask myself whether I should send the usual rhetoric Heroes’ Day messages to my circle. My mind wanders to my own wins—to the journey, to the people who contributed to those victories, and slowly, to how those wins were actually achieved. Looking back, the formula was surprisingly simple: low expectations and high pragmatism. Back then, many wondered how I pulled it off. John Sabwa stands here today because of ugly, difficult decisions that made sense to him, even when everyone else doubted him. The critics talked then, and they still question the sustainability of it all now. But here I am, celebrating myself as my own hero.
Happy Mashujaa Day, JMS. You are enough.
Story Time: The Arsenal Paradox
When Arsène Wenger stepped onto the Highbury turf in 1996, he didn’t just coach a football team—he instituted a cultural revolution. Arsenal became synonymous with fluid, intoxicating football. “Wengerball” was an aesthetic masterpiece: quick one-touch passing, sweeping counter-attacks, and goals that looked like choreographed ballet. It was art on grass. Yet, as the years rolled on and the trophy pipeline narrowed, the narrative turned cold. The very style that brought the legendary 2003–04 “Invincibles” season was reframed by pundits as a fatal flaw. The chorus grew deafening: “Beautiful, but soft.” “Pretty, but naive.” “They’d rather walk the ball into the net than actually win.”
Fast forward to the modern era under Mikel Arteta. Arsenal has undergone a profound tactical metamorphosis into a disciplined, physically dominant machine. The focus has shifted toward pragmatic supremacy: strangling opposition spaces, dominating set-pieces, grinding out grueling 1–0 away wins, and prioritizing absolute defensive control over sheer entertainment. The results are undeniable. Arsenal is competing at the absolute pinnacle of elite football, going toe-to-toe with Europe’s best and racking up victory after victory. And yet, what is the loudest narrative today? “It’s effective, but it’s boring.” “They’re too pragmatic.” “Where is the joy?”
The hypocrisy is staggering, but it exposes a fundamental paradox of human nature that stretches far beyond the touchline. When a collective body—be it a football club, a business, or an individual—operates with pure passion and idealism without immediate, tangible success, the world demands cold, hard results. Society tells you to grow up, drop the idealism, and deliver. However, the moment you adapt, build resilience, and start winning through pragmatism, that same world romanticizes the past you left behind. They lament the loss of your “soul” and critique the efficiency of your victory.
As I review Arsenal performance and criticism over time there are key things i relate and would like to share with you.
First, loyalty to an outdated method is not conviction; it is stubbornness. In your personal life and career, what worked for you five years ago might not take you to the next level. Evolve your tactics without apologizing for growing up.
Secondly, you cannot Out-Perform moving goalposts. If you base your self-worth on external validation, you will constantly lose a game where the rules keep changing. Stop adjusting your life to suit commentators who aren’t on the field with you. Passion and creativity get you noticed, but discipline, structure, and fundamentals keep you at the top. Secure your foundation before worrying about showing off.
Lastly, Prioritize Measurable Impact Over Applause.Focus on outcomes over approval. Did you build the business? Did you heal the relationship? Did you achieve the goal? The tangible results of your labor will far outlast anyone’s temporary opinion of your journey.
From my school of thoughts, whether you are floating through life with expressive flair or grinding through the daily hustle to secure steady progress, people will talk regardless of your approach. If you are visionary, they will call you impractical. If you become focused and relentless, they will call you cold or boring. Do not be afraid to change your strategy, tighten your defense, and focus on fundamental execution. Trade the need for constant applause for the quiet satisfaction of real progress. Your job is to step onto the field, honor your vision, adapt to your environment, and claim the victory you worked for—whether it looks like poetry or hard work.
Be your own hero.
Happy Mashujaa Day!
©JMS (2026)