You can be the world’s biggest gangster...but when you see a football you feel like a child
– PRIDE OF SPORT WINNER BOBBY
AN EX-prisoner who has turned his life around got a huge surprise when he met footballer Robbie Savage.
Bobby Kasanga thought a friend had won them free tickets to Robbie’s BT Sport show Saturday Morning Savage.
But Daily Mirror columnist Robbie had something special in mind for Bobby, who has spent eight years in jail for gang-related crime.
The football pundit told him he will be presented with a Special Recognition honour at Daily Mirror Pride of Sport Awards, in partnership with TSB.
TV’s Ben Shephard will host next month’s ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House, which will attract some of the biggest names in sport.
Bobby founded Hackney Wick, a football club that has made a major impact on its local community, thanks to his drive and commitment.
On Saturday’s show, Bobby joined Robbie in a game of teqball – a cross between football and table tennis.
Then the ex-Leicester City midfielder and Wales international broke the news.
Robbie said: “Now Bobby, you think you’re here because your mate won tickets for the show. Well I’m afraid he’s not been entirely honest with you.
“You’re here because I wanted to meet you and give you a little bit of news. I know all about you and I know what an amazing job you’ve done building up Hackney Wick FC.
“I’m delighted to tell you that you have won a Mirror Pride of Sport Award.”
He added: “What you do for young people is so much more important than scoring goals, or winning titles. You’re an inspiration, and you truly deserve this.”
Bobby was just out of prison in January 2015 when he decided to start the club. He took to the streets with a bucket to raise the £6,000 needed to kick Bobby and Robbie playing teqball