Mwita raises concerns over suspension of sporting activities

No local based player looked forward to the resumption of sporting activities last year anxiously than former FC Talanta creative midfielder John Mwita.

Mwita had lastly played a competitive match on 5th June 2019 when Talanta bowed 4-1 to Wazito at Camp Toyoyo in the penultimate National Super League (NSL) match of the season. 

His glamouring football star was dimmed the following month after Tanzanian outfit Singida United cunningly announced on their official social media pages that they had acquired his services from Talanta on a three-year contract. 

Talanta through Football Kenya Federation hastily blocked the transfer on grounds of player tapping and later terminated his contract which was set to expire on December 2020 leaving him stranded. 

Apart from the alleged move to Singida behind the back of Talanta, what raised eyebrows in the botched transfer was the change of name to Ismael Mohamed which contrasted with his profile and identification documents.

With his reputation put on the line and his contract cut, Mwita who maintains that he never forced his way to Singida took a break from football hoping to get a new club in January last year. 

His quest was futile and had to wait longer following the suspension of sporting activities after the first case of coronavirus was reported in the country in March. 

Mwita who had joined Talanta on December 2018 from Modern Coast Rangers was handed a lifeline in his career when Ushuru approached him in late October last year and offered him a contract.

 However, he was for the second time unlucky after the club went under the following month leaving him stranded again and in search for a new home. 

With just a week to the start of the season, Modern Coast Rangers rescued him from sinking into depression as well as saved his career after giving him a one-year contract. 

Having stayed out of competition for almost one and half years, Mwita was expected to find life on the pitch tough but before last month's presidential decree, the former Isibania player was Modern Coast Rangers leading scorer with four goals. 

The 26-year old, who returned to his hometown Sirare, fears the suspension of sporting activities will reverse the gains he had made in his bid to rediscover his form fully. 

"That announcement by the President hurt me most. I had been out of competitive football for more than a year and when I was about to hit to my best, the worst happened again. It is unfortunate that I am sliding back to menial jobs to fend for my family for the time sports remain suspended, "he protested.

Mwita who had attracted the eye of Bidco United head coach Anthony Akhulia revealed why he turned the opportunity to play in the top flight down.

Bidco alongside Kisumu All Stars and Murang'a Seal were battling for his signature last year but ended up signing at the coastal club.

"I was thirsty for playing time and thus I had to sign at a club which would guarantee me that. After I left Talanta, I had to stay with my brother in Mombasa and would occasionally train with Modern Coast Rangers. I also had a good relationship with coach Mohammed Mchulla whom I thank for holding my hand, " he disclosed.