A retired Kenyan footballer was overcome with emotion after former teammates travelled from Naivasha to surprise him at his home in Rongai, Kajiado County, in a heartwarming reunion that brought back memories of their playing days.

Robert Wairegi, who previously played as a goalkeeper for City Stars, Highlands and Gitwamba, received the unexpected visitors decades after they had shared the football pitch in the 1990s.

The former players made the journey from Naivasha to reconnect with their old teammate, turning an ordinary day into an emotional celebration of friendship and shared memories.

According to TUKO.co.ke, Wairegi embraced each of the visitors individually, remembering the position numbers they had worn during their playing careers. The reunion was filled with laughter, old stories and songs as the former footballers reminisced about their time together.

The visitors also arrived with several gifts for their former teammate. These included a live sheep, a personalised jersey bearing his name and the number 001, and a cake that they cut together before sharing a meal.

Wairegi revealed that his football journey began around 1979 when he was still in secondary school. He later represented several clubs outside school, including Coca Cola and Kenya Pipeline, before eventually retiring from the game.

Speaking about the surprise, the former goalkeeper said he had not expected such a gesture from his former teammates.

He expressed gratitude for the reunion, explaining that the gesture meant more to him than receiving money.

"This is more than any money I would receive," Wairegi said.

He also reflected on his involvement in mentoring younger footballers, saying he had never undertaken the role for financial gain.

"When I started mentoring the juniors I didn't do it for money. I am glad my actions have touched several footballers and pray they continue doing great," he added.

Beyond celebrating their friendship with Wairegi, the visiting teammates used the occasion to encourage other former footballers and clubs across the country to reconnect with their old colleagues.

They urged players to check on those they once shared dressing rooms and football pitches with, highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships formed during their playing careers.

For Wairegi, the unexpected visit offered an opportunity to reconnect with people who had shared an important chapter of his life.

The reunion also served as a reminder that friendships built through sport can endure long after players have retired from active competition.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/645294-kajiado-retired-footballer-overwhelmed-emotion-1990s-teammates-surprise-home/