Boniface Muchiri, the Ulinzi Stars and Harambee Stars midfielder, has revealed his biggest dream following Kenya’s inspiring CHAN 2024 campaign. While many might expect luxury cars or flashy lifestyles to be at the top of his wish list, Muchiri has only one priority: building a decent house for his mother, Mildred Akinyi.
The midfielder, who also serves in the Kenya Defence Forces and was recently promoted from Senior Private to Corporal, received a Sh5 million reward for his role in Kenya’s performance at CHAN 2024. For him, this money represents an opportunity to honour the woman who stood by him throughout his football journey.
A Mother’s Sacrifice
Muchiri credits his mother for the sacrifices she made to support his dream. He fondly recalls how, as a student at St Mary’s Kibabii Boys High School in 2012, she bought him a football to help him train. A year later, when he was in Form Two, she went out of her way to purchase his very first pair of boots. These small but significant gestures instilled in him a deep belief that she would always stand behind him.
“She sacrificed a lot for me and now I just want to give her the best by ensuring she has a good shelter,” Muchiri explained. For him, the house is not just a structure, but a lasting symbol of gratitude to the woman who gave him strength both on and off the pitch.
Reward for Hard Work
At 29, Muchiri has established himself as a leader both at Ulinzi Stars, where he captains the team, and within the national squad. His recent military promotion and recognition after CHAN 2024 are, in his view, rewards for years of hard work, consistency, and commitment to excellence.
His contributions during the tournament were crucial, with his pace, set-piece deliveries, and crosses creating decisive goals, including key assists against Zambia and Madagascar. While Kenya fell short of the semi-finals, Muchiri expressed pride in the team’s fighting spirit and his personal performance.
A Dream Fulfilled
For Muchiri, the greatest victory is not one scored on the pitch but one achieved at home ensuring his mother lives comfortably in a house he built. It is a gesture of love, sacrifice, and respect, embodying the very spirit that carried him from a determined schoolboy to a celebrated international footballer.
