Boniface Muchiri: How football got me out of poverty

"When I look at my background, I realise I do not have a backup in life. I have to work hard to change the situation back at home."

These are the words of Harambee Stars midfielder Boniface Muchiri whose efforts have propelled the national team to the quarter-finals in the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) being played across East Africa.

Born and raised by a single mother in the dusty regions of Nambale town in Busia County 29 years ago, Muchiri embraced football at Amagoro FC, a local grassroots outfit that has churned out key players to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and the national team Harambee Stars.

At Amagoro, Muchiri's football skills were spotted by St Mary's Kibabii Boys High School principal Peter Lunani.

At Kibabii, Lunani was not only a plug to his blossoming career in the game, but became a mentor and a role model too.

Through Lunani's motivation and inspiration, Muchiri was able to pen his first ever football contract with Nzoia Sugar.

He would then proceed to Sony Sugar and then Tusker- where he lifted his first KPL title and the Super Cup trophy.

The urge to take his game to the next level saw Muchiri proceed for professional stint in the USA where he featured for Los Angeles Force in the USA third tier league - National Independent Soccer Association.

After a six-month spell at the LA Force, Muchiri returned home to link up with Tusker before joining his current club Ulinzi Stars where he has been the club's top scorer for the last three seasons.

Tracing back his football journey to his current place at the national team, Muchiri is grateful to three individuals in his life, their immense support have made things to happen in the beautiful game.

He is grateful to his mother Mildred Akinyi, his former head teacher Lunani and current Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy who have brightened his light in the sport.

Akinyi, a single mother, raised him and his younger brother Elvin Emerikwa who currently plays for military side Thunderbirds in Nanyuki. She gave them a chance to pursue the sport despite her meager income.

Lunani mentored him while McCarthy believed in him and his effort, granting him a call up to the national team where he is also getting considerable 'airtime' in the ongoing Chan tournament.

And how does he feel to feature for Harambee Stars in Chan?

"I really feel great. We have a good team. The squad has love and unity.The team has a very commendable fighting spirit. We are compact," Muchiri told Standard Sports.

"Being part of this impressive squad is a priceless opportunity that is taking my football journey to the next level and I thank God for it."

Muchiri, who is also very prayerful, likes reading the bible and listening to Catholic songs in his free time. He is hopeful, that from Chan, God will grant him another opportunity to play football outside the country.

"I'm putting my best foot forward in this tournament, because  scouts and agents are here. They are watching what we do, you never know what kind of deal you might land on," he says.

As a local based player,  competing in Chan comes handy for Muchiri who is eager to showcase his talents not only to Africa but to the outside world.

"When I got that call up from McCarthy to join Harambee Stars, I felt good, it is every players dream to feature for the national team, so here I am and I'm doing all that  I can to get noticed in this championship," he said.

In the next five to ten years, Muchiri wants to be part of football administration and this desire has been fueled by how McCarthy handles his charged at the camp.

"Benni has motivated me to be a coach in the future, he knows how to talk to his players, he knows how to motivate them when down, he understands the squad inside out, he knows each player's weakness and strength, and he uses them for value addition in the team.

"I want to follow his footsteps. So, I will enroll for a coaching course to be able to give back to football. I was moulded by the sport and so I want also to build others through it," Muchiri says.

As Harambee Stars head to the Chan quarter-finals against Madagascar on Friday, Muchiri calls upon the 12th man to turn up in their numbers at Kasarani to give the team massive support.

"We need the fans. They have been incredible in this journey. They gave us a charged and electric atmosphere in Kasarani, pushing us to perform well in all the matches we have played. We need this amazing energy on Friday so kindly buy the tickets now and turn up well in your numbers," he says.

Muchiri's role model in the sport is Cristiano Ronaldo stating that through the latter, he has realised that hard work always beats talent.

"If you are a talented player, put in the work and you will succeed like Ronaldo," Muchiri said.