A quiet village of Aleles in Amagoro location, Teso North subcounty has turned into a full sports fan-base following the ongoing CHAN games, courtesy of one of the shining Harambee Stars players, Boniface Muchiri.
The 29-year-old Muchiri has motivated many to love and celebrate the game due to his passion, dedication, and fighting spirit.
His mother, Mildred Akinyi, narrates how the Kenyan national team player has developed a passion for the sport, noting that the winning spirit of his son has encouraged the people of Teso North, Busia county to eagerly follow the ongoing CHAN tournaments on television screens in the comfort of their houses, or at other social places.
Mildred said the passion and determination of her son in both sports and academics bore fruit as Muchiri completed form 4 and scored a C+.
He then joined Nzoia Sugar for a six-month contract before he got a release letter to join Rongo University, where, during his first semester, Muchiri joined Sony Sugar FC, while 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)," Akinyi said.
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 3 consecutive seasons.
Akinyi said 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 disciplined forces.
She said her son first played for Harambee Stars, while at Tusker FC, when he travelled with the national team to Spain, and while with Ulinzi, he travelled with the national team to Morocco.
"News of my son's call to Harambee Stars' provisional squad for the African Nations Championships (CHAN) was relayed, while he was at home, following our prayers for his inclusion in the national squad," she said.
"Watching my son play football on television is a harrowing experience, especially when he falls. I would stop watching him because of the fear of the unknown, but I always remain prayerful.
"My son has a winning spirit and would not usually want to lose a match, with the latest victory being the Sunday onslaught against the Zambian national team."
She added, "My son has assured me he will play the knockout phase of the CHAN tournament like never before. I thank President William Ruto for the cash motivation to players. I will also give my son an award should 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 utilise their talents by encouraging them to play football," she said, praying for Kenya to win the overall CHAN trophy.
On his part, David Livingston Imai said the current Harambee Stars squad is the best ever, with Muchiri giving lethal passes to justify his inclusion in Harambee Stars, adding that Coach McCarthy's selection criteria was second to none.
Muchiri was born and raised in Busia, where he attended his primary school before venturing into soccer as a career.
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, equally raising my brother Alvin Emerikwa (a soccer player at Thunderbirds in Nanyuki)," Muchiri said.
"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," he said.
He thanked his coach, Benni McCarthy, and all the players of Harambee Stars for the massive encouragement and support on and off the pitch.
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.
