Harambee Stars vice captain Bonface “Nyamu” Muchiri’s mother on Monday recalled how she threatened Nzoia Sugar FC with legal action for keeping her son out of school at the expense of playing football. Click this link https://a.meridianbet.ke/c/C7pYjz to start gaming and stand a chance of winning big with Meridianbet.
Addressing journalists at her Amagoro residence in Teso North Sub County, Busia County, Mildred Akinyi, said she started getting concerned when her son dropped in performance while in Form 3 at St Mary’s Kibabii High School in Bungoma County.
“Concerned by that drastic decline in performance, I travelled to Nzoia to meet the then club chairman who revealed that they were paying my son Ksh5000 per month besides cartering for his upkeep in Nzoa, Akinyi said.
She added: “Unable to control my emotions, I travelled to Busia to have Bogonko Advocates give the club legal notice. I gave my son an ultimatum to balance his training and education.”
Akinyi said her efforts bore fruits as her son completed form 4 and scored a C+. He then joined Nzoia Sugar for a six months contract before he got a release letter to join Rongo University.
During his first semester, Muchiri joined Sony Sugar FC. In his second semester, he moved to Tusker FC under head coach Robert Matano.
“During the advent of Covid-19, Muchiri had trials in the USA where he had an unsuccessful stint at La Force FC playing in the 3rd tier league (Nisa). After sustaining a nagging injury, the diminutive midfielder came back home, where he joined the military outfit Ulinzi Stars registering an impressive record of being the club’s top scorer in three consecutive seasons.
The mother recalled that her son declined to pursue his university studies, telling her that he had opted to join the military where he would continue with his football career as he discharged his duties in the military.
Akinyi said her son first played for Harambee Stars while at Tusker FC when he travelled with the national team to Spain. While with Ulinzi, he travelled with the national team to Morocco.
“News of my son’s call-up to Harambee Stars’ provisional squad for the African Nations Championships (CHAN) was relayed while he was here at home,” she added.
Akinyi said, “Watching my son play football on television is a harrowing experience, especially when he falls down. I would stop watching him because of the fear of the unknown, but I always remain prayerful”.
“My son has ‘assist’ exploits with the latest being against Zambia. He has winning spirits and would not usually want to lose a match. He cries when he loses”she noted.
Akinyi added:” My son has assured me he will play the knockout phase of the CHAN tournament like never before. I thank the President Dr. Wlliam Ruto for the cash motivation to players. I will also give my son an award if they win a CHAN trophy.”
Akinyi’s neighbour, Caroline Opondo said he started seeing Muchiri with the urge to play football, expressing happiness that he is playing for Harambee Stars.
“He reached that far because of sacrifice, keeping weight and daily training. I appeal to parents to allow their children to utilize their talents by encouraging them to play football,” he said, praying for Kenya to win CHAN.
David Livingston Imai said the current Harambee Stars squad is the best ever with Muchiri giving lethal passess to justify his inclusion in Harambee Stars. Coach McCarthy’s selection criteria were the best.
Bonface Muchiri was born and raised in Busia, where he attended his primary school before venturing into soccer as a carreer. He has played for several KPL teams, including Nzoia, Sony Sugar, Tusker FC, and currently Ulinzi Stars.
“I am glad to dedicate all this to my loving mother Mildred Akinyi Nambanga who has been the rock of the family raising my brother Alvin Emerikwa (a soccer player at Thunderbirds in Nanyuki) said Muchiri.
“My soccer journey took off as a result of the great effort put by The Principal at St Mary’s Kibabii Boys High School, Peter Lunani, the man who guided me to my 1st ever soccer contract at Nzoia FC then a form 3 student”said the midfielder.
“May I also take this opportunity to thank my Coach Benni McCarthy and all the players of Harambee Stars for the massive encouragement and support on and off the pitch,” he added.
Private Muchiri, as he is referred to in the KDF ranks, enjoys reading The Holy bible and listening to Catholic songs when not playing or watching soccer.
