Nairobi City Stars captain Anthony 'Muki' Kimani retires after 17 years

Anthony Kimani (right) with Nairobi City Stars CEO Patrick Korir.[Nairobi City Satrs]

Nairobi City Stars midfielder and field skipper Anthony 'Muki' Kimani Njenga has retired from professional football bringing an end to an illustrious football career that lasted over 17 years.

Muki officially announced his retirement last Sunday following the conclusion of the 2022/23 FKF Premier League season

He went on to earn playtime in the last ten minutes of that tie to register his 19th game this season - his 109th game in Nairobi City Stars colors across four and a half seasons - and 284th Kenyan Premier League match. In those games, Muki scored 38 goals.

Besides, he featured in 24 games in the second tier during City Stars' promotion season, the 2019-20 National Super League (NSL), scoring three times and providing ten assists. He was named the MVP at the end of that season.

The veteran was honoured by Nairobi City Stars CEO Patrick Korir, who presented him with a special jersey bearing the number 284 and his name.

"More than often, we never know when a Kenyan player retires. Muki did the most honorable thing in stepping forward to say goodbye to what has been part of hime for more than a decade and a half. It was the most honorable thing to do and I wish more retiring players can take his cue," said club Korir

"We thank Muki for bringing maturity and adding his vast experience to the City Stars setup isince the year 2019, and for guiding the team back to the Kenyan premier league after five seasons in the cold. He was a dedicated servant and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors."

Anthony Kimani. [Nairobi City Stars]

Muki first featured for City Stars - then known as World Hope - in the 2008 premier league, before moving to Sofapaka for the first leg of the 2009 season. He was back at City Stars for the second leg to gain experience before returning to Sofapaka in 2010 till the 2014 season. He then moved to Bandari in 2015 for three seasons before taking a break from the game.

Prior to 2008, Muki had featured for Dagoretti Santos, as well as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in the Nationwide (second-tier) league.

In 2019, he returned to City Stars with a mission that he had kept under wraps.

"In 2016, while at Bandari, I scored goals against City Stars that largely contributed to their relegation.

"Being my first premier league club, I always felt obliged to return to City Stars and guide them back to where they belonged, and that is what informed my return in 2019.

"I will forever look back and say it was mission accomplished, as the team returned to the top league in 2020," said Muki

"We may have struggled in the just-ended season due to a transition plan, but a new set of lads who came in have shown that they have what it takes to make the club rise once again. The future of the club is in their good hands and it gives me peace and a good reason to call it a day from the pitch as I look to serve the game in a a different capacity," he added.

Anthony Kimani of City Stars (left) in action during a past match [Nairobi City Stars]

Incidentally, after promotion, Muki, donning the armband as captain, scored City Stars' first top-flight goal during a historic game against Nzoia Sugar, leading Simba wa Nairobi to a memorable 2-0 win.

Other than the NSL title with City Stars in the disputed 2019/20 NSL season, and the club MVP award, Muki amassed a number of trophies across the years.

He was named the Kenyan Premier League midfielder of the year in the 2010 season while at Sofapaka, with whom he won the 2010 and 2011 Kenyan Super Cup, as well as the 2013 FKF President's Cup. He was named the best midfielder at the end of that competition.

He also won the 2015 President's Cup while at Bandari, as well as the 2016 Kenyan Super Cup.

During the highlight of his career, Muki was called up to the Kenya National team and was capped ten times between the years 2010 and 2012.

In preparation for life after football, Muki recently started his coaching journey and completed a CAF 'D' coaching license Diploma.