When Jeremiah Wanjala confirmed his worst fears from the doctor; that he had cancer, a lot went through his head. His thoughts lingered all over, and the world came to a sudden standstill, but he was still breathing and chose to cling to his faith in God for healing.
The former AFC Leopards SC, Kakamega Homeboyz FC, Posta Rangers FC, Chemilil Sugar, Ushuru FC, and Nzoia Sugar FC striker was diagnosed with cancer, which halted his then-illustrious football career while at Sudi Stadium-based club.
Renowned sports journalist Jeff Kinyanjui came out on social media seeking help to buy a ‘nduthi’ for Jeremiah Wanjala, to help him sustain himself and his family while undergoing chemotherapy.
The contributions were however paltry, and the KEFWA Union came through.
VICTORY AGAINST CANCER; THE STORY OF KENYAN PLAYER JEREMIAH WANJALA
When Jeremiah Wanjala confirmed that he had cancer, his thoughts lingered all over and the world came to a standstill, but he was still breathing. His faith was in God for healing.
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Dubbed ‘Road To Recovery’, the initiative by KEFWA aims at supporting football players who are injured to have a smooth transition, while also focusing on their income-generating welfare.
With the contribution of a motorbike, the union, led by President Situma James, Vice President Terry Ouko, and SG Dan Makori paid a visit to Wanjala at their home in Lwakhupa village, Kakamega County.
Wanjala was then awarded a brand-new motorbike to supplement his income as he continued with the battle against the disease.
“I’m deep in Kakamega, Lwakhupa Village to be specific. I came to deliver this bike to Nzoia Sugar striker Jeremiah Wanjala. I want to sincerely thank the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association who took up the responsibility and bought it and everyone else who supported the fundraiser. We raised around Ksh 13,000 and that has gone directly to Jeremiah Wanjala to aid in his medical bills and other related expenses. The bike will do bodaboda business and Wanjala is grateful,” noted sports journalist Jeff Kinyanjui.
With the further continuous support of family, friends, and stakeholders, including Kakamega Homeboyz Chairman and philanthropist Cleophas Shimanyula ‘Toto’ who personally helped take him to the hospital, Wanjala’s road to full recovery became tremendous, and he was later discharged.
“I am very grateful to KEFWA Union for standing with me. Up to now, 4 years later, the boda boda is still my main source of income. Also, I appreciate all others who stood with me, including my then-team manager Evans Kadenge, and the Nzoia family. Their fan chairman George Kinuthia even visited me here in the village. When I was sick, Nzoia ensured all my arrears were paid despite the company’s struggle. Other clubs still owe me,” noted Wanjala while speaking to Kefwa Media.
Back to playing football, Wanjala notes that his focus is on transiting to life after football. He has since again called upon the KEFWA Union and any other stakeholder to help him get a refereeing course, a passion he looks forward to fulfilling professionally.
“KEFWA has been supportive to me and if they or any other well-wisher can help me do a refereeing course, it would help in my life. I am back fully fit and I play football for my local team, but that is not a career that can now feed my family. I want to transition into refereeing but I need support for the course and exams,” noted Wanjala.
