Young football talent Tyron Kariuki, once celebrated for his dazzling displays at the CECAFA U18 Boys’ Championships, has opened up about how he copes with the highs and lows of online scrutiny. The winger, who captured attention with his fearless dribbling and attacking flair, has already experienced the extremes of praise and criticism in his budding career.
Kariuki’s rise was temporarily halted in 2024 due to injury, a setback that affected his momentum at a crucial stage of his development. When he returned for the CECAFA qualifiers for the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, he was unable to replicate his earlier brilliance, coming on as a substitute in two matches where he struggled to make an impact. Fans who had once hailed him quickly turned critical, something the youngster had to learn to navigate.
The forward admitted that the experience was tough, especially as he was not fully fit during the qualifiers. Still, he chose to take the criticism as motivation, recognizing that the harsh words stemmed from people’s belief in his ability to perform at a higher level.
One of the biggest lessons he has embraced is not dwelling on online comments, whether positive or negative. Kariuki noted that fans can be quick to celebrate success but just as fast to criticize during a dip in form. This understanding has helped him remain grounded. Rival fans’ taunts, he admits, are easier to brush off, but when criticism comes from his own supporters, it can cut deeper.
To protect his mental health, Kariuki has reduced his social media activity. Instead, he prefers real-life interactions, valuing phone calls or face-to-face conversations over being constantly online. This shift has allowed him to preserve his peace of mind while focusing on his career.
Now at KCB, the former Rainbow FC player is determined to regain his rhythm and consistency. He sees his setbacks not as the end but as stepping stones toward growth, using resilience and maturity to rebuild his form. His journey serves as a reminder that a young athlete’s path is rarely linear, and how they respond to challenges can define their long-term success.
As Kariuki continues his development, he remains committed to proving himself, both to his supporters and to himself, with the belief that his best days are still ahead.
