Dorothy Wanja: Late bloomer with goalkeeping ambitions

Sport in the 21st century has become a hyper-competitive industry with coaches and trainers putting increasingly extreme demands on the modern day athlete.

So much focus is now put on performance, meaning athletes that have passed the ‘sweet spot’ age can hardly cope at the top level where physical, technical and strategic abilities are demanded.

In most sports, this age sweet spot falls in the mid-20’s to early 30’s. It means late bloomers will continue to vanish from the sports scene.

Dorothy Wanja, a 47-year-old goalkeeper, is one of those rare players who have defied expectations and captured hearts with her incredible journey in the world of football.

She plays as a goalkeeper for a team called Mandovuni Ladies in Embu County Runyenjes Constituency.

Her story is one of determination, passion, and the unwavering support of her family.

Her football journey began in 2012 when she joined the local church team, Mandovuni Ladies, at NICA (National Independent Church of Africa), where she discovered her love for the beautiful game.

Little did she know that this would be the start of an incredible adventure that would redefine her life.

At 35, she was too scared to join football, because she was a mother, and was further held back by societal expectations imposed on women. But Wanja says that her friends helped push her to pursue her footballing ambitions.

“My friends really helped me to overcome the fear that I had then, of playing football.

“Some people really tried to discourage me from playing football because I was 35 years ol,” Wanja said.

Balancing her responsibilities as a mother and her newfound passion for football was no easy task, but she never wavered.

Her two daughters, Caroline Murugi and Ann Cate Nyakio, moved from potential obstacles to her greatest pillars of strength with both turning out as her biggest cheerleaders.

Nyakio, 18, who completed her high school education last year December, also shares her mother's love for the game, even plays as a midfielder wearing the number 8, and a nod to her mother's unwavering spirit.

“My mother has been my main motivation, in playing football and I love how she guards the goal, to prevent their opponents from scoring," Nyakio told Citizen Digital.

It’s not just her daughters who have formed part of Wanja's support system. Her grandchild, Lucky Wayne Murimi, 6, has become a vital source of motivation and inspiration for her.

Murimi, with his contagious enthusiasm for the sport, often accompanies his grandmother to training sessions and matches, cheering her on from the sidelines.

The bond between them is a testament to the power of family and the impact it can have on one's pursuit of dreams.

In addition to her remarkable journey and the unwavering support of her family, Dorothy Murugi's talent and dedication have earned her well-deserved recognition.

Her exceptional skills as a goalkeeper have not gone unnoticed, and she recently received a prestigious award for being the best goalkeeper in her ward, Kagaari North.

This recognition is a testament to Dorothy’s tireless efforts and the impact she has made within her local community. The award serves as validation of her hard work, perseverance, and the countless hours she has dedicated to honing her craft.

Her extraordinary story in football has not been without its challenges. Overcoming stereotypes and societal expectations, she has had to prove time and again that age is merely a number. She has shattered preconceived notions about the limits of age in sports and has become an inspiration for aspiring athletes of all ages.

Today, Wanja continues to defy expectations, fearlessly diving to make breathtaking saves, and leading by example. She has become a role model within her community, encouraging others to pursue their passions, regardless of age or circumstances. Her story serves as a reminder that it is never too late to chase your dreams and rewrite your narrative.

In a sport that often celebrates youth and vigor, Dorothy Murugi proves that the flame of passion can burn brighter with age. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that dreams can be pursued at any stage of life, and with the support of loved ones, we can overcome any obstacle in our path.