There is an age-old adage that states, ‘A mother’s love is the first spark in a child’s journey,’ and this saying found its true dwelling in Kabati Youth’s left winger John Mbogo.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsMbogo, commonly known as ‘Nyati’ on the pitch, ended the season as one of the team’s top scorers with seven goals.His team was crowned champions of FKF Division One Zone A after a brilliant season that saw them win 16 games, draw eight, and lose only four.Kenya U20 coach identifies trio ripe for Harambee Stars call upThe victory earned them promotion to the National Super League (NSL), something the club has patiently waited for over a decade.But behind the goals, the cheers, and the celebrations stands his mother, Susan Waruguru, who is her son’s biggest supporter.Whether Kabati Youth are playing at home or away, she makes sure to pray for the team before every match.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939815##On home match days, she attends church early, then heads straight to the pitch to watch her son in action.So, when the team was crowned FKF Division One Zone A champions on Sunday, 18 May, Waruguru was right there, celebrating with tears of joy. It was the fulfilment of a dream she watched her son chase for over 10 years.“He started playing football when he was very young at Mukerenju Grounds. At first, I did not want him to go. I used to beat him to stop him from playing because I feared for his safety,” the audibly excited Waruguru told Mozzart Sport.Victor Wanyama takes first step towards coaching careerBut her son would not give up his dream without a fight.“One day, he told me that if I did not let him play football, he would quit school. That is when I finally gave in,” she continued.From that moment, she became part of the team. She watched as her son travelled to places as far as Nakuru, Naivasha, Meru, and even Mombasa for matches.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939384##“I was so proud. And if he ever missed a game, people would call me to ask where he was,” Waruguru disclosed.This season, she has not missed a home match.“I go to church in the morning and then straight to the field. I pray for the team before every game. Even when they travel, I pray for them before they leave,” the prayerful mother said.Five reasons why Sinisa Mihic was bound to fail as Gor Mahia coachToday, Waruguru beams with pride knowing that her son is a role model in the community.She believes his journey is just beginning and remains hopeful that one day he will play at the highest level and support her.The joyous mother encouraged other parents to give their children the freedom to pursue and nurture their God-given talents.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939511##“Parents should allow their kids to follow their talents. It’s a blessing from God,” Waruguru averred.Mbogo, on the other hand, understands how important his mother’s support has been throughout the journey.“My mum finally let me play, and that gave me the push I needed. Football has kept us away from bad things,” he explained.Jack Ong’anya: Rejected by Gor Mahia, Tusker but now finds solace at SofapakaA study by the National Library of Medicine in September 2022 revealed that Murang’a County had the third highest rate of drug and substance abuse in Kenya, with young men being the most affected.But for John Mbogo and many of his teammates, the beautiful game has not only preserved them physically active but has also kept them away from the grip of harmful vices that have claimed many of their peers.“A lot of young people here have been lost to drugs and alcohol. If parents support their children, sports can save lives,” he said.##NAJAVA_MECA_8939466##And science supports it.Experts say that parents are one of the biggest influences in a young athlete’s journey. According to research in sports psychology and child development, the presence of a supportive parent helps build confidence, discipline, and resilience in children who take part in sports.When a child sees that their parent believes in them, it becomes easier for them to believe in themselves.
