Former Tusker midfielder Macharia reveals details of thriving side hustle

With stories of former players languishing in abject poverty making headlines every day, the former Tusker FC midfielder Jackson Macharia is keen to inspire athletes on the importance of diversification.

For him, the pandemic came as a blessing in disguise as it helped him start a business venture which is currently thriving.

The Posta Rangers man was among the thousands of footballers who were affected after the government suspended football activities in the country. This forced him to go back to his rural home.

Amidst lockdown and all the restrictions, the midfield maestro dared to venture into the world unknown to him at that time, agriculture.

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Speaking to the Kenya Footballers Association (KEFWA) Macharia who played for Tusker FC for seven years and nine months before departing to join Posta Rangers, noted that he was inspired to venture into farming by his father.

“I was inspired by my father's wisdom and driven by a desire for self-sustainability. My father once told me, 'Invest in the earth, and it will reward you tenfold.'

Despite working hard over years for the government, he (father) had bought his first car from farming,” noted Macharia.

He then shared the idea with KEFWA who helped him kickstart his farming venture on an acre of land. He first started planting onions, tomatoes and cucumbers.

His new odyssey was almost ruined by several challenges including pests but he kept his head up.

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“Farming, just like many other ventures, is not a walk in the park. It needs patience and you must learn to accept loss, just like in football.

The challenges of pests, soaring costs, and the ever-demanding need for capital investment is what makes many give up in this area,” added Macharia.

At the moment, Macharia has employed two handymen who help him manage the farm as he focuses on helping Posta Rangers in their FKF Premier League endeavours.

"I employed two hands to tend to the farm while I honed my skills on the field through regular training sessions. It's a balancing act, but one that taught me the true essence of perseverance.

A football career is like a game, with highs and lows. But in farming, every seed planted is a promise of growth, of resilience, of abundance," he disclosed.

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Macharia joined Tusker FC in 2015.  During his time with the Brewers, Macharia experienced numerous unforgettable moments, including the exhilarating double season in 2016 and the triumphant league-winning run in 2021.

"A long time servant of the club, diligent, hardworking, and a motivating senior figure in the team, Jackson Macharia, leaves the club.

A legend in his own right, we thank Masha for his time; seven years and nine months. All the best in your new adventure 'dreader',” Tusker FC stated during his departure in 2023.

Macharia's impressive performances caught the attention of the national team selectors, earning him his first call-up to the Kenya national team in May 2017.

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