Muchiri looking beyond life on the pitch as he joins Ulinzi

Harambee Stars striker Boniface Muchiri has made a leap into the future, in his decision to leave Kenyan Premier League champions Tusker FC for Ulinzi Stars.

While Tusker is primarily performing better than Ulinzi in the league at least going the clubs’ histories, Muchiri revealed his decision was influenced by plans beyond his days on the pitch.

Ulinzi, an outfit of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), offers Muchiri employment basically pegged on his talent but will be in service even after retirement from football.

“Football is a short career while some of us are taking care for our parents and siblings back at home. This calls for planning well and if KDF promises you a job when you play for them, it is an offer you can’t turn down,” Muchiri was quoted by a local daily.

At 26, the attacker who played his last match for the Ruaraka brewers on Sunday, has no regrets about the attempts he previously made to establish himself beyond Kenyan boarders before committing his future with the army men.

In 2020, Muchiri unsuccessfully underwent trials at US Fourth Division side Reno 1868, before returning home to continue his life at Tusker.

Boniface Muchiri controls the ball during Tusker's match against Zamalek of Egypt in CAF Champions League preliminary match at the Nyayo Stadium on 17th October, 2021. Photo/ Courtesy. 

“I thought it was a good opportunity for me but I was not given the support I needed by my agent then. It finally did not work but I have no regrets, that’s behind me…” said Muchiri in a previous interview as after returning from the US.

The former Sony Sugar player will now be out of active football for six months as he undertakes military training, after which he will be considered for Ulinzi Stars.

His notable accomplishments with the Robert Matano coached side include winning the Premier League last season and featuring for Harambee Stars under coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee and Engin Firat as the national team failed to secure 2022 African Cup of Nations and World Cup tickets.

Former Harambee Stars duo Francis Onyiso, Mulinge Munandi are some of the players who shone with Ulinzi and for the national team and are still in KDF, beyond their active football careers.