Kenya Police FC right back Erick Juma admits that the thought of hanging his boots crossed his mind on several occasions last year. The experienced defender appeared not to catch a break as a recurring groin injury made him a constant visitor to the treatment room, limiting his service to the club.He rarely featured for the law enforcers in the past campaign that was annulled by the federation leaving him a frustrated man who was ready to call it a day and subsequently transition to coaching.##NAJAVA_MECA_6996814##However, hope was the last thing to die in Juma as he followed the rehabilitation process to the last day and began contesting for playing time upon getting a clean bill of health.The Police honchos also demonstrated faith in the star as the club,renewed his deal for another season despite seeing little contribution from him.The contract renewal and the confidence derived from coach Francis Baraza who took over in December last year, saw the player change his heart and commit himself to contest for playing time and extend his active years.FC Talanta forward Brian Yakhama attracting interest from FKF PL top teamsHis determination has recently been paying off as he has played in the past three league matches against Tusker, Mathare United and Bidco United, starting ahead of Yusuf Mainge. In the three matches, the defender has helped Police keep cleansheets. The player says the patience employed when he was at the sidelines and the desire to repay the faith the team has invested in him pushed him to overcome the temptation of quitting before time.”At some point last year, I felt the urge to call it a day. The frustrations that came with frequenting the treatment table left me convinced that my time was up. However, I hang in there hoping to heal and probably play the last game for the club and proceed to coaching.I have been patient and working hard behind the scenes and it is refreshing to see it pay off. It feels good to play on a regular basis,” he opened.Juma who joined Police in January last year from Kariobangi Sharks said he intends to build on the game time and regain his best form. Free agents Apollo Otieno and Erickson Mulu training with KCB FCHe expressed optimism that the injuries will be a thing of the past even as he seeks to grace the top league for an additional five seasons.”I have been unlucky with injuries but I hope they will not strike again. I feel I have some five more seasons remaining in the tank,” he saidJuma made his league bow in 2018 with Sharks whom he served from 2005.
