According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, one in four Kenyans who seek healthcare suffer from a mental health condition, with depression being the most common diagnosis.Athletes are no exception.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News In recent years, a growing number of Kenyan sportsmen have come forward to share their struggles with mental health, shining a light on an issue long shrouded in silence.Football, the country’s most popular sport, has witnessed several such cases, with at least one new report emerging each season.##NAJAVA_MECA_8945544##Take Rashid Mahazi, for instance. The Kenyan-Australian footballer retired at just 28 years old, a time many would consider the peak of his career.Having played professionally in Argentina, Australia, and South Korea, Mahazi’s decision shocked many.But behind the scenes, he was battling severe anxiety attacks that ultimately forced him to walk away from the game.Closer to home, Nicholas Omondi, a talented midfielder currently with Murang’a Seal, nearly quit football altogether.Frustrated and overwhelmed, he announced his decision on Facebook, indicating he had reached his breaking point.Omondi had shown early promise, signing with giants Gor Mahia at 18 and captaining the Rising Stars U-20 squad during the 2020 CECAFA Championship.His career was seemingly on an upward trajectory until mental strain took its toll after failing to travel for trials with Las Palmas in Spain.Fortunately, Darajani Gogo FC stepped in and offered him a lifeline after securing promotion to the second tier.President Ruto’s son George declares loyalty to AFC LeopardsFormer Kajiado FC goalkeeper Daniel Wanyama also revealed in 2022 that mental health challenges had nearly driven him to quit football.According to officials in Kenya’s lower-tier leagues, such cases are not rare; they deal with mental health-related incidents involving players at least twice a week.These are not isolated incidents. Mental health struggles plague Kenyan football from the FKF Premier League all the way down to the sub-county leagues.So, what can be done to uproot this growing crisis?Fredrick Otieno Ouma, a Sports Technology and Science specialist and Director at Timbuktu Consulting Partners, shared his insights in an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport.“Football cannot afford to isolate itself from this issue,” he said. “When you’re in the spotlight, people assume you’re doing well, but many players are silently suffering.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8947835##Ouma stresses the need for a united front, bringing together clubs, federations, and welfare organizations like the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA).“It needs to be well coordinated,” he explained. “Welfare organizations must make themselves accessible and attractive to players. Give them reasons to come forward rather than withdraw.”He also stressed the importance of clubs playing a proactive role.“Clubs should have dedicated teams focusing on mental health and nutrition. We recently had discussions with Shabana FC, and it became clear how much still needs to be done.”Ouma believes addressing mental health will not only help individual players but also elevate the entire league.“Kenyan clubs need to be strong enough to attract top talent. But right now, many are in disarray. We need to hit the reset button.”Sports CS responds to reports of Kenya being unprepared to host CHANHe also challenged KEFWA to step up its visibility and effectiveness.“Players must be reminded they have a union, but the union must also ensure it’s truly there for them. Communication lines must be open.”Ouma concluded with a call to action:“We’re operating in a strained ecosystem. Every stakeholder must rise to the occasion. The Football Kenya Federation must also join the fight. This is not a one-man job.”As the mental health conversation gains momentum globally, it is clear Kenyan football cannot remain on the sidelines.##NAJAVA_MECA_8947872##The game may be played on the pitch, but the real battle for many players starts in the mind.
