Oliech feels pity for ailing Sofapaka midfielder Naya, urges local football players to insure themselves
By Benson Mbare, December 12, 2021
Former Harambee Stars talisman Dennis Oliech has urged local football players to insure themselves, rather than depending on their respective clubs to sort out their medical arrears.
Oliech’s sentiments come at a time when Sofapaka midfielder Wisdom Naya is suffering from cancer and is in urgent need of medical assistance.
“I am urging footballers to get personal football insurance cover. Life in football can be short, and you cannot depend on your club. In fact, make it a priority. It is so unfortunate to see what is happening to Sofapaka midfielder Wisdom Naya,” Oliech said.
The 18-year-old footballer was a promising player who had signed a three-year deal with Sofapaka in 2019, but his career was halted due to the sudden illness.
During his playing days, Wisdom was voted the best player at the 2018 Copa Coca-Cola youth tournament.
Wisdom would go on to play a number of games for the club before Kenya’s local football league was suspended when COVID-19 hit the country.
However, that did not deter Wisdom from working hard during his personal training as the world tried to come to terms with the pandemic.
It was during this period that the talented youngster noticed all was not well, forcing him to seek medical advice.
A series of tests revealed that Wisdom was suffering from a thigh tumour known as Soft Tissue Sarcoma, which is a rare type of cancer.
The condition ultimately cut short his football career, forcing him to stay at home.
During this period, his family appealed to well-wishers to chip in financially and help them settle medical expenses.
The medical appeal was well received and saw Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga contribute Ksh500,000 towards the ailing midfielder’s treatment during a political rally at Laina Moja in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
The former premier offered assistance after a group of youths from Wisdom’s hometown displayed placards asking for help on behalf of the midfielder.
Raila’s donation was also topped up with Ksh100,000 from Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi.