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The hugely experienced striker made his name at Ulinzi Stars and also turned out for Sofapaka and KCB
Bidco United forward Stephen Waruru is set to retire from football after Wednesday’s Football Kenya Federation Premier League match against Wazito FC in Thika.
Waruru joined Bidco when they were promoted to the top flight in 2020 and has been key to their stay in the division but is now set to hang up his boots at the age of 32.
The hugely-experienced striker made a name for himself while turning out for Ulinzi Stars where he played for nine seasons before leaving in 2017 for Sofapaka and has also featured for KCB.
“Finally, the day has come. I just want to take this opportunity to thank God and all those who supported me in this long sweet journey of football,” Waruru said via a Facebook post.
“The pains, gains, wins, losses and draws, all I can say, I really enjoyed every moment. Today as I play my last KPL match, all I can say is I am a happy man because football has made me what I am and given me everything.
“And to let the next generation know football will take you to the whole world and I promise to support other talents in the whole country achieve their dream because football is one language.”
Bidco coach Anthony Akhulia lauded the forward as a good example to the rest, having served as the team captain during his stint with the Thika-based side.
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“As you bring to an end your playing career today, I wish you well, a true legend you are in the game. A dedicated team player and a fantastic captain always leading and guiding the team through thick and thin, working with you as my captain has been a pleasure, always listening and passing my message to the team,” said Akhulia.
“We will miss your leadership on the pitch but we will surely not miss your leadership in the game. All the best bro, enjoy your next assignment.”
Waruru won the Kenyan Premier League title with Ulinzi in 2010 and emerged the league’s top scorer the following year after bagging 12 goals.
He, however, surprised many when he quit the military in 2017 and subsequently left Uinzi to sign for Sofapaka. That was after finishing second to Masoud Juma in the Golden Boot race when he notched 11, six shy of the then Kariobangi Sharks marksman.
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