How family pressure almost ended Shabana’s new signing football career

Newly signed Shabana FC central defender Frank Mandela has opened up on the struggles that nearly ended his football career and the emotional journey that led to his return to the pitch.

Mandela was a rising star in the 2019/2020 season, signing with Tore Bobe from Division Two side Katakata FC (now Sotik Tea) alongside forward Brian Michira.

However, his promising career took a hit when he suffered a serious knee injury, forcing him out for nearly a year.

Upon recovery, Mandela faced an even tougher battle—convincing his family to let him return to football.

His brother, the family’s breadwinner, was against the idea, having fully financed his medical treatment. With no financial backing from the teams he played for and an ultimatum to choose a different path, he saw his career slipping away.

“It was tough after the injury. My family didn’t want to hear anything about football. My brother, who was our main provider, threatened to cut off support if I returned to the pitch.

I felt like my career was over before it even started,” Mandela told Mozzart Sport.

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Determined to play again, Mandela secretly joined Karen Hospital FC while undergoing treatment at the hospital. He would tell his family he was going for medical checkups, only to train and play for the team in the regional league. Eventually, his secret got out.

“I couldn’t hide it anymore. The news spread, and since I had already tried business and found it tough, I invited my brother to one of my games.

He doesn’t like football, but after watching me play, he was excited and wanted to see me back at Shabana. That was my breakthrough moment."

Mandela later signed with Silibwet Leons in the National Super League (NSL) to regain match fitness. However, the club’s financial struggles made life difficult and brought him to loggerheads with the family again.

“One weekend, we travelled for a match in Mombasa but got stuck there. There was no money for transport or even food. I had to call my sister for help, but she warned me that if I stepped on a football pitch again, I’d be disowned. I was back to square one."

With nowhere else to turn, Mandela found himself back on the streets of Nairobi, trying to navigate the harsh realities of city life with nothing but his talent and determination.

Despite his family's resistance, football remained his calling. It was his closest friends in the sport who ultimately helped him regain confidence and convince his family to give him another chance at Tore Bobe.

Among those who played a crucial role in his comeback, Mandela highlights Brian Michira and Mathew Tegisi, two players who never stopped believing in him.

“Michira would call me every match day, reminding me that if I hadn’t quit, I’d be travelling with them. Seeing Tegisi’s progress also inspired me.

But what really pushed me was seeing Brian Bett move to Shabana—he was once my football student, and now he was playing at the top. That was the moment I told my family I wanted one last shot at football."

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Now back at Shabana, Mandela is determined to make the most of his second chance. He made his debut last weekend against Solian City in the Mozzart Bet Cup.

“I always believed I would return to Shabana, but I never expected it to happen this soon. I’ve learned the value of patience, humility, and surrounding myself with the right people.

The top flight needs discipline, and I won’t fall into the same traps again. My dream is to play in AFCON for Kenya one day."