Sofapaka youngster set to undergo surgery

It is not secret footballers are yet to recover from the ramifications of the lengthy suspension of sporting activities imposed last year to curb the spread of coronavirus. Serious muscle injuries, loss of form, psychological effects, and dry pockets are some of the setbacks sportsmen have been grappling to overcome from the time the ban was lifted. 

Hardly had their wounds dried up, a presidential decree was made last week, reversing the gains they had made and forcing them back to square one again. 

The announcement by President Uhuru Kenyatta was met with unbridled uproar from sportsmen who while they reluctantly shelved their plans could not hide their disappointment as all their activities rolled on behind closed doors. 

Sofapaka Youth midfielder Wisdom Naya who picked a career-threatening injury after the first ban was lifted is disappointed that last week's directive will do more harm than good to players.

The 17-year old tore his thigh muscles in November last year when clubs were given the green light to resume training after almost eight months of inactivity and is scheduled to go under the knife to repair the torn ligaments.

Naya who joined the 2009 league champions joined Sofapaka in January last year after his exploits while attached to St Anthony's Boys Kitale caught the eye of coach John Baraza believes the injury was as a result of the long break and fears players will suffer a similar fate should the restrictions remain in place on the long run.

The youngster was subjected to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans on Wednesday at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret which confirmed the looming date with the surgeon. 

" I tore my thigh muscles when clubs resumed training last year after the long break. There was limited time for players to prepare for the season, and hence, we trained harder to attain the fitness demands of the league. Some of us ended up picking serious injuries as a result of stressing our muscles and this may affect others if the league doesn't resume soon. It's unfortunate that we are back to individual training, "he said

The 2018 COPA national winner with the Solidarity Boys thanked Sofapaka for taking care of the medical bills from the time he suffered the injury.

Naya also noted that his medical cover also helped him manage the injury pending the scans and surgery. 

" I am grateful to the club for playing their part despite not rendering service to them. Having a medical cover has also come in handy," he added.