Football: Political activist Tony Gachoka leads fans to cheer son and U20 team

By ROBIN TOSKIN

FACTBOX NAME: Joe Muiruri Gachoka D.O.B: May 14, 1997 TEAM: St Mary’s School, Nairobi/ Trainee JMJ Academy POSITION: Attacking midfielder HONOURS: St Mary’s Junior School Sportsman of the year 2011

As Kenya Under-20 national team takes on Tanzania at Machakos Stadium today in an Africa Youth Championship qualifier, the joy of seeing one’s child in national team colours is yet to sink in for political activist Tony Gachoka.

So touched is the politician commonly known as ‘TG’ and his wife that he has hired a 66-seater bus to ferry Joe Gachoka’s friends and fans to and from Machakos this evening.

“I am simply overwhelmed. Sometimes we as parents become so engrossed with other facets of life that we forget the endeavours of our children.

“That my little Joe (pictured) was scouted for the national team is yet to sink in. It has opened my eyes to a whole new area of life. I’m proud of him.

“I have been in politics all my life, but with Joe’s passion for soccer I am tempted to quit politics to see through his blossoming career,” Gachoka said.

The St Mary’s School youngster is a month short of his 17th birthday has penned a yearlong deal with JMJ Academy.

“Whether he features today or not, fact remains a journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step,” Gachoka’s philosophises.

“I understand Victor Wanyama went through JMJ Academy and now is a star in the English Premier League. Who knows, may be one day Joe’s dream will come to pass. “ I will be there for him. I wish that all parents also get behind their children so they can realise their dreams. This way, we will have contributed to changing the face of football in this country,” he said.