Police midfielder shares emotional recovery journey after 18 months out with injury

©Kenya Police FC

FKFPL Police midfielder shares emotional recovery journey after 18 months out with injury

Mark Kinyanjui 09:00 - 14.05.2023

Mwaura had been out since December 2021 after tearing his knee ACL while in action against Nzoia Sugar.

Highly rated Kenya Police FC midfielder Kevin 'Bycy' Mwaura has expressed his delight at being able to step onto the pitch once more after having to suffer the indictment of tearing his left knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in 2021.

Mwaura, 20, was integral in the Law Enforcers’ ascension to the top flight. He was already starting to enjoy life at the top flight of Kenyan football, but his career was under threat of ending as soon as it started with that horror injury.

A fragment of bone detached from his shin and surgery was done to repair the damage before he commenced his rehabilitation.

The prodigy came on as a 71st-minute substitute in their 3-0 win over Sofapaka on Wednesday and played a crucial part in the build-up to the third goal, setting up the pre-assist for fellow substitute Clifton Kinanga’s goal.

It was a proud moment for the youngster, who performed well during his 20-minute cameo in front of his watching family from the stands.

Even seasoned Kenyan international, Abud Omar was quick to heap praise on him, calling him "a top player with great potential” after cheekily interrupting his interview.

"At first, it was a little tough getting that injury,” he said, “It was tough overcoming that injury but it’s life, and life is being able to overcome those challenges,”

“The team also kept me involved when I was injured. There is a fantastic camaraderie within the group which made my journey even easier going step by step in the process of rehabilitation, and now, I am back fully fit.”

He however insists that earning the right to get back into the team on a more regular basis is of paramount importance.

“Getting a win as a team was the biggest achievement, but just getting to step on the pitch in itself was a big milestone considering the time I was out.

“I will try to work hard on the pitch to impress the coaches in training so that I can earn more opportunities to get more minutes under my belt and get back to my best.”

He certainly is in the right step to impressing his coach, Francis Baraza, who was full of praise for the talented midfield maestro after his performance.

“Mwaura has just returned from injury. When I came into the team in December, he was still injured. When the transfer window opened two months ago, I had the opportunity to reduce the number of players I had whilst adding others.

“I had the option of releasing both he and (Dan) Musamali but I wanted to give them time to recover and then give them the opportunity to show me what they could do.”

“I have been patient with Mwaura and I feel proud that he has rewarded my patience in him, showing the quality of the depth in this team.”