Cancer survivor Wanjala sends words of hope to Naya

Former Nzoia Sugar midfielder and a cancer survivor Jeremiah Wanjala has sent words of encouragement to immediate former Sofapaka youth defensive midfielder Wisdom Naya who was diagnosed with a cancerous soft tissue sarcoma.

Wanjala was diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer (non hogdkin lympoma) in April last year but against the odds, he recovered and has since resumed training in anticipation of offers in the summer transfer window.

The former Kakamega Homeboyz player who has well wishers and his colleagues to thank for coming to his rescue was declared cancer free in October last year and began training with his boyhood club Lwakhupa FC.

The empathetic Wanjala has reached out to ailing Naya who began his chemotherapy sessions on Friday, encouraging him to remain strong even as medics prepare him for a surgery after destroying the cancerous cells.

"I successfully battled cancer and I want to encourage Naya that his condition will be managed. If I downed the disease, I believe he will also make it and return to the pitch. I plead with him to strictly attend all sessions and follow the doctor's advice and take the prescribed drugs," he said.

The rain began beating Naya who joined Sofapaka in January last year from 2019 national schools champions St Anthonys Boys High School, Kitale after he hurt his thigh in November last year in training.

What appeared to be a minor muscle cramp worsened leaving him vulnerable to the axe which fell to a few players at the start of the year.

After being deemed surplus to requirement at Sofapaka, Naya returned home to Kitale from where he proceeded for scans at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital two weeks ago. The scans exposed a tear on the thigh as well as the cancerous tissue.

After Mozzartsport revealed the plight of the rookie, Kenyans from all walks of life came together to raise the funds for the pocket draining sessions.

His plea landed to his former club Sofapaka who through the shirt sponsor pledged to cater for his medication.