Nairobi Stima’s Ronney Oyaro (right) tackles Kenya Police’s John Ndirangu during their National Super League match at Camp Toyoyo ground, Nairobi on May 23, 2021.
It was heartbreaking as it was eye opening -- that a man who had spent his entire life playing the game he loved was now leaving it, and not for reasons of his own making as we was forced to face an uncertain future.
For someone who has played topflight football with Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Kenya Police, Kariobangi Sharks and Nakuru All Stars, John Ndirangu “Softie” knows firsthand the joy that comes with the beautiful game, and the pain that comes with knowing that he will not be able to play again.
“I'm in tears as I say this. I never thought one day I’ll say goodbye to football. Due to my condition after I got ill, I can't be able to kick the ball (anymore). Maybe in future I will. Only God knows.
“I have decided to retire from active football at the age of 30. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped me achieve in football, my agent and guardian Robert Muthomi, every coach that I have passed through (Simon Mulama, Ezekiel Akwana and Francis Mwangi) together with my family and all my fans. Much respect. Kila hatua dua (every step with a prayer).”
This was the touching social media message Ndirangu penned as he announced his exit from football last Thursday due to a long battle with tuberculosis (TB) that has made his body weak with the doctor advising that he refrains from all endeavours that would entail heavy physical activities, which includes playing football.
Ndirangu who was born on September 27, 1995 in Nakuru County started playing the game at Kinari Primary School and later extending the same love for football at Ngorika, Rohi and Spotlight Academy, the schools he attended for his secondary education.
Ndirangu played in both the right and left wings as well as a central attacking midfielder. He started his professional career at Dundori before joining Nakuru All Stars. After that the big boys came calling.
Ndirangu lists some of his achievements as winning the league with Gor Mahia in 2017, winning the Super Cup in Tanzania and playing against English Premier League side Everton while at Gor.
“Growing up I admired people like Christiano Ronaldo and Neymar and my biggest dream was that one day I would be able to play in such big stages as they were doing. All those have now been relegated to mere wishes because as it is I have to shelve aside my football career,” Ndirangu said in an interview with Nation Sport.
He said he started feeling unwell last July when his body began to exhibit signs of pneumonia and TB but without corresponding results whenever tests were run.
“The effects were that my lungs were affected, and I developed pain in the spinal code and legs. In the early stages I could not breathe, and was forced to be on oxygen for some time,” he says.
He explains that the doctor never advised him to stop playing football but that he feels his body is not strong enough after the ordeal.
He still nurses hopes -- although faint -- that one day he will be able to get back to the pitch and do what he loves most, playing football. For now he is relying on well wishers and friends for upkeep and medicine and appeals to anyone who can offer him some job to help him survive.
“I believe I am a hardworking person and so long as the job is not physically exerting, I can manage,” he said.
