William Gitama, 19, is a fast-rising striker. He gained the Golden Boot within the Costa Daurada Cup event in Barcelona, Spain final month with the Talanta Hela Beneath-19 boys crew after scoring three objectives in 5 matches, which helped Kenya win the title.
Final 12 months, Gitama’s expertise shone shiny throughout the Chapa Dimba and Talanta Hela tournaments the place he was named the Most Beneficial Participant within the coastal area. Because of his spectacular expertise, he was admitted to prime flight crew Bandari FC.
Gitama grew up in Kisauni, Mombasa, an space that has constantly had a nasty repute for crime, drug abuse amongst youth and is house to teenage gangs.
How was your childhood?
I grew up in Kisauni, Mombasa, and that has been my house for almost 20 years. My schooling started at Fahari Main College, adopted by a short stint at St Anthony Boys Kitale the place I stayed for 2 years earlier than I transferred to Serani Boys Excessive College in Mombasa.
It was my distinctive efficiency in sports activities that earned me a coveted scholarship to St Antony. I used to be scouted throughout the East Africa Main College Video games by coach Peter Mayoyo, who teaches Kiswahili on the college. Throughout my time at St Anthony, I used to be honoured to obtain a call-up to the nationwide Beneath-17 crew that performed in opposition to Djibouti in a World Cup qualifier match performed in Dar es Salaam in 2018 the place we gained 7-0.
I began taking part in soccer on the age of six and I’ve by no means regarded again. I’m grateful for the journey and the teachings it has taught me. I now know the significance of self-discipline and perseverance, and how one can steadiness between the sport and my research. My dad and mom and siblings have additionally been very supportive.
Now, as a Bandari FC participant, I’m working laborious to contribute to the success of the membership.
How was it rising up in Kisauni?
In my childhood, I witnessed many pals abandon soccer at a younger age to take pleasure in medicine, and a few even fell sufferer to mob justice and died younger. Sadly, this was a typical prevalence in my neighbourhood. I’m grateful that my skills steered me away from such actions.
Folks usually level to idleness as the explanation younger folks take pleasure in alcohol and drug abuse. They argue that an idle thoughts is the satan’s workshop, and it’s true. When younger folks discover themselves with nothing to do, they could flip to medicine to alleviate boredom, search pleasure, or just to go the time. This sample can hasten the trail to dependancy, as appreciable time is spent on drug consumption. I’m glad I discovered soccer to refill my free time.
How did profitable the Golden Boot award in Spain make you’re feeling?
Final season, I scored seven objectives in six league matches for the Bandari youth crew, however sadly I bought an ankle harm that pressured me out of motion for 3 months. Coming from an harm and rising to prime type was an enormous blessing. The award got here as a shock. I simply believed in myself and God. My dream is to play soccer in Europe, possible in Spain, a rustic that gives the very best alternatives for soccer progress as a result of its fashionable amenities and the federal government’s large funding within the sport.
Was it at all times your dream to affix the Bandari senior crew?
Becoming a member of the Dockers was really a dream come true. It wasn’t a simple journey, I needed to push myself laborious on the pitch.
I used to be extraordinarily anxious after I joined the senior crew. I can vividly recall my debut recreation for Bandari. It was in opposition to Nzoia Sugar at our house floor in Mbaraki, a match we gained 2-1. I used to be launched within the closing moments of the sport. The unfamiliar pitch, the environment, and the massive crowd have been all new to me.
I’m deeply grateful to my coach John Baraza who has constantly inspired me. He instructed me to think about myself and to at all times give my all on the sphere at any time when I’m given the possibility to play.
What actions do you have interaction in throughout your leisure time?
I get pleasure from taking part in Play Station (PS), a pastime that has considerably honed my soccer skills.
What are your most well-liked dishes?
I like Swahili meals corresponding to chapati and coconut beans (maharagwe ya nazi), biryani, and pilau.
What recommendation would you give to aspiring younger footballers?
Be you. Soccer is a profitable occupation, and I can attest to this as I’m at the moment supporting my household via my earnings from the game. Moreover, perseverance is essential. I’ve witnessed a few of my friends lose hope and abandon the game as a result of difficult financial circumstances but they have been very gifted. Above all, preserve self-discipline and think about God.
