How Kenyan midfielder came face to face with death in Thailand

Late last year, Kenyans from all walks of life came together to petition the government to rescue former Kibera Black Stars midfielder Melvin ‘Shashu’ Macharia who was wasting away in a Thailand hospital after contracting meningitis.

Preliminary reports indicated that Macharia had been dropped and abandoned by his employer Pluakdaeng United FC at the hospital and to rub salt on his wounds, he was said to have been neglected by the medics.

Macharia’s plight was highlighted on social media, eliciting fury from Kenyans who asked the ministry of foreign affairs to airlift the sick player home for treatment. The pleas landed to the Head of Diplomatic Mission Jennifer Njiru who saved the day by ensuring Macharia was attended by the medics at Raon Hospital. Kenyans of good will also dipped into their purses and contributed towards defraying the medical expenses and for his subsistence.

Good news! Macharia successfully dribbled past the disease and quietly returned home in January and has since began training with the Dagoretti based Dimba Patriots in anticipation for offers in the summer transfer window.

“I came face to face with death when I fell sick. I was withering at the hospital since the doctors didn’t want to attend to me. They changed their minds after the ambassador intervened and treated me until I got back on my feet. I arrived home in the first week of January and I have been training with Dimba to keep fit,” he narrated.

Macharia joined Pluakdaeng United FC which plies its trade in the Thailand third tier in December 2019 on a one-year contract. His dream to remain abroad was cut short by the disease but the former Boma FC player hasn’t thrown in the towel as far as chasing his professional career is concerned.

“If I managed to pull through, then nothing can stop me from achieving my dream. I am now past the disease and I am full focused on rediscovering my form. I believe I will return to Europe again, this time round to a better club and in a bigger league,” he added.

Macharia who ruled out harboring hard feelings towards his immediate former employer thanked his family and friends for offering him a shoulder to lean on.

“When I was admitted, Pluakdaeng never bothered to visit me but I have nothing against them. I am not interested in pursuing justice through the available channels, instead I want to keep on working hard. I am forever indebted to my family and friends for coming through at the eleventh hour,” he concluded.