Before he became a dependable defender in the Harambee Stars backline, Daniel Sakari was renowned for darting down the wings in a rugby jersey.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsJust like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, two Welsh footballers who flirted with rugby in their early years, Sakari’s heart belonged to the odd-shaped ball.He played rugby at Maseno School before shortly pursuing it at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).’I didn’t find myself on the team list’ – Enock Morrison after missing Gor Mahia’s matchBut life had other plans.Fate, friends, and proximity to football grounds would pull Sakari in a different direction.“My friends and the people who were around me inspired my transition from football to rugby. Most of the guys I associated with were footballers, so I naturally shifted,” the soft-spoken right back told Mozzart Sport.##NAJAVA_MECA_8868092##With Bukhungu Stadium just a stone’s throw from campus and the school boasting a competitive football program, Sakari’s football journey kicked off quickly.He first featured for MMUST’s football team before earning a spot with Green Commandos in the national first division.Thanks to his undeniable talent, his rise was swift, and soon after, he rose through the ranks to become one of the country’s top defenders.David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng on what Kenya Police must do to win FKFPL titleInterestingly, his current role in defense was not his original plan.“When I transitioned to football, I started with the forwards. What made me shift to defense was where I started playing; the forwards were very good. So, I moved back and settled for defense,” he recalled.Sakari believes that had he stuck with rugby, he would still have made a name for himself.##NAJAVA_MECA_8868116##His ambition for the sport was just as intense as it is for football, driven by the influence of his elder brother, who also played rugby in high school.“If I were still playing rugby, I am confident I would be somewhere because I was very ambitious with the game. My elder brother always inspired me to push harder. He loves rugby and played it while in high school,” he disclosed.While he is grateful for how far he has come, the defender knows the journey is far from over.Gor Mahia announce landmark change in ticketing ahead of FC Talanta clash“I am still grateful for where I am, and I appreciate the journey. I have not played overseas, so I am still not where I want to be,” he offered.And if football ever stopped working?“I would be in an office somewhere in a 9-5 job. After football, I will now pursue what I studied, statistics. That’s where I am headed,” he averred.##NAJAVA_MECA_8868117##Sakari studied Pure Mathematics and Applied Statistics on campus.In 2019, academic priorities saw him relocate to Nairobi to complete a practical attachment for his university course.This move opened the door to join Kariobangi Sharks.He delivered two goals and eight assists in his debut season, earning a call-up to the national team for a friendly against Malawi under head coach Francis Kimanzi.On form Shabana striker opens up on Kenya U20 exclusion and future plansBetween 2019 and 2020, he hovered around the national setup and even featured in the CECAFA Challenge Cup in Uganda.His big moment came in March 2021 when Jacob “Ghost” Mulee handed him his senior debut against Tanzania.A few weeks later, Sakari started against Egypt in a crucial 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Kasarani Stadium, facing global icons like Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny.##NAJAVA_MECA_8868132##Kenya drew 1-1 in a game many argue the Harambee Stars deserved to win, but it was Sakari’s performance that stood out.He was relentless, pushing forward at every chance and turning throw-ins into lethal set pieces.Later that year, Sakari joined Tusker FC and played a key role in their run to win the voided 2021/22 FKF Premier League title.He has since moved to Police FC, where he remains a key figure in their backline.Bandari coach given one more game to save jobPolice currently sit second on the log with 49 points, two points shy of log leaders Tusker FC.
