By MURIMI MWANGI
A grassroots soccer player from Karia in Kirinyaga Central, has not only earned himself stripes as a ruthlessly efficient defender in the area, but is also a celebrity of sorts due to his unique approach to the much loved game.
Locals have branded him names for his peculiar soccer tactics, but the most common one which locals have nicknamed him is Maguru (legs). Maguru, who has played for Karia FC for more than a decade, is termed by many local soccer fans as not only one of the most consistent players, but also the defender to watch in local tournaments.
Stable
However, as this writer established, the most mysterious thing about Maguru is that in all his years on the pitch is that he has never played in boots. And even in situations where league sponsors provide such gear, Maguru insists on playing barefoot.
Titus Kariuki, who claims to be a football tactician from the area, recalls one incident when Maguru missed the ball only to leave an opponent hobbling on crutches! “The guy’s foot is like an iron-steel alloy. I remember once when he missed the ball and slashed a striker’s ankle. The victim spent months in hospital before he could walk again,” recounted Kariuki.
Maguru is also alleged to be very stable on the pitch, in any weather as his feet are alleged to be very adaptive even to the most slippery football pitch. An ardent local soccer fan, who requested to remain anonymous claiming to be Maguru’s buddy, said that this is the secret that enables Maguru to tactfully dodge the ball, even as his opponents armed in soccer boots slide and fall on slippery pitches.
Muratina
“With a heel as rough as Maguru’s, you do not need any boots to defend a goal even against Lionel Messi, on a slippery football pitch,” he said.
Others also credit Maguru for being one of the most disciplined defenders, although he is rumoured to always guzzle a few litres of an illegal substance before he gets on the pitch. It is alleged that to aid his prowess on the pitch, Maguru ideally gobbles down not less than five litres of Makabo or Muratina and interesting, he never disappoints.
“Maguru is really mysterious. He can swallow a whole jerry can of the alcohol, but neither his speed nor his stability will be compromised on the pitch. I understand that the more the substance shakes in his stomach, the more stable he becomes,” commented another soccer fan.
Apparently, even referees know that Maguru drinks before getting on the pitch, but they have no qualms since he is known to be very peaceful. He has never unnecessarily run riot or disrespected the match officials, even in as much as some of his mates and fans clobber referees once in a while for real or imagined inconsistent or poor officiating. In fact, it is rumoured that Cobra FC — their arch rival club within their locality — are scheming to poach the boy.
