Former Sofapaka FC midfielder Wisdom Nayah has passed away at Crystal cottage hospital Kitale after battling cancer for some time. Wisdom passed away at 6 am today.
The 18-year-old footballer was a promising player who had signed a three-year deal with Sofapaka in 2019, but his career was halted due to the sudden illness.
During his playing days, Wisdom was voted the best player at the 2018 Copa Coca-Cola youth tournament.
Wisdom would go on to play a number of games for the club before Kenya’s local football league was suspended when COVID-19 hit the country.
However, that did not deter Wisdom from working hard during his personal training as the world tried to come to terms with the pandemic.
It was during this period that the talented youngster noticed all was not well, forcing him to seek medical advice.
A series of tests revealed that Wisdom was suffering from a thigh tumour known as Soft Tissue Sarcoma, which is a rare type of cancer.
The condition ultimately cut short his football career, forcing him to stay at home.
During this period, his family appealed to well-wishers to chip in financially and help them settle medical expenses.
The medical appeal was well received and saw Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga contribute Ksh500,000 towards the ailing midfielder’s treatment during a political rally at Laina Moja in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
The former premier offered assistance after a group of youths from Wisdom’s hometown displayed placards asking for help on behalf of the midfielder.
Raila’s donation was also topped up with Ksh100,000 from Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi.
The monies helped Wisdom’s family to cater for his medical needs in the country and abroad.
Prior to his death, former Harambee Star’s talisman Dennis Oliech urged local football players to insure themselves, rather than depend on their respective clubs to sort out their medical arrears.
Oliech’s sentiments emanated at a time when Wisdom was suffering from an ailment and was in urgent need of medical assistance.
“I am urging footballers to get personal football insurance cover. Life in football can be short, and you cannot depend on your club. In fact, make it a priority. It is so unfortunate to see what is happening to Sofapaka midfielder Wisdom Naya,” Oliech said.
Players and football enthusiasts have since sent their messages of condolences to the family and friends of Naya.