Gichimu's side hustle comes in handy after suspension of sporting activities

With the majority of local-based players already feeling the heat of suspension of sporting activities in their pockets, Bidco United forward Eric Gichimu is smiling all the way to the bank.

The electrical engineering diploma holder has been reaping the fruits of investing in education from the time President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered sporting activities to be suspended as a way of suppressing the spread of coronavirus.

Gichimu who before the presidential decree had netted four goals in seven matches revealed that the Closed Circuit-Television (CCTV) installation skills acquired at Kenya Polytechnic between 2013-2015 had come in handy in meeting basic needs.

The father of one who joined the Thika-based club a season ago from Mwiki United said the proceeds gathered from installing the video surveillance cameras have been adequate to give his family a comfortable lifestyle, the halting of sports notwithstanding.

"So far so good for me, I can't complain. My family and I have not lacked from the time the president sent us on a break. I have been subcontracting CCTV installation jobs since I have the hands-on training and more than five-year experience in the job," he disclosed.

Gichimu who found the back of the net twelve times last season in the National Super League (NSL) called on his colleagues to invest in education and business to cushion them in the event of unforeseen circumstances and in their most active years.

"It is time players realized that their football careers are short and injuries can also force one to early retirement. They have to invest in studies or a business to not only help them when they retire but double their income," he appealed.

Meanwhile, the St Joseph Boys High School, Embu alumnus expressed his gratitude to Bidco for faithfully paying March salaries on time despite the players being unable to render services to the club.