Kakamega High School's march into the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Games semi-finals on Monday had hundreds of Green Commandos supporters celebrating at Mpesa Foundation Academy, but among them was one fan whose journey to Thika carried a deeper meaning than the result itself.Reverend Bishop Cornelius Matunda had travelled twice in less than 24 hours just to watch his son, Macklin Adika, play, and the long trip turned into a memorable one after the youngster came off the bench to score and provide an assist in Kakamega's commanding 4-0 victory over Tumaini Secondary School.##NAJAVA_MECA_9872547##For the bishop, the celebrations were not only about Kakamega taking another step towards reclaiming the national title but also about witnessing a dream he has nurtured for years continue to unfold before his eyes.Having left Nairobi on Saturday for Kakamega to lead Sunday service, Matunda immediately hit the road again after preaching, determined to be in Thika before Green Commandos took to the pitch."I have my younger son here called Macklin Adika. I have come to cheer him on and pray for them to win the championship," Matunda told Mozzart Sport moments after watching the record champions book their place in the last four.In a society where many parents still prioritise academics over sport, Matunda has chosen a different path.Long before he became a respected bishop, he was a footballer himself, turning out as a striker in the lower leagues.Although his own football dream never reached the heights he had hoped for, it planted a seed that he has since watered through his children."I also love football. I used to play as a number nine, and when God blessed me with boys, I saw they had talent. I decided to keep following them and motivating them because when a parent walks with a child throughout the journey, it gives them confidence and helps them go far," he explained.That faith has already started paying dividends.Matunda revealed that without football, Macklin would probably never have joined Kakamega High School.KSSSA: Ruthless Green Commandos outclass Tumaini to storm into semi finalsDespite being one of the country's football powerhouses, the family could not afford the school fees, but the youngster's talent opened a door that money could not."I always say talent pays because I am a living example. I did not have the ability to educate Macklin at Kakamega High School, but because of football, he earned a four-year scholarship. He had already reached the primary school national games when Kakamega approached us and asked for him. I told them I could not afford the fees, but they told me talent would take care of everything."Known by teammates as 'Aviator' because of his powerful shooting ability, Adika has grown into one of Green Commandos' most dangerous attacking players and has played an important role in the team's impressive run at this year's championships.His goal and assist against Tumaini only strengthened the belief his father has carried for years.Thika ready for KSSSA National Term Two Games as quest for new champions beginsThe football story does not end with Macklin; the parent revealed that the sport has become part of the family's identity, with his eldest son Griffin Matunda currently playing Division One football for Sango in Mombasa while other youngsters at home continue chasing the same dream."I have two boys. The firstborn is Griffin Matunda and he is playing Division One football. We also have other children back home who are talented. I believe football is going to change our family."His belief in Macklin's future stretches far beyond school football."According to me, I see him playing in either Spain or the USA within the next five years," he said confidently.Even with pastoral duties demanding his attention, the bishop insists he could not miss Green Commandos' quest for another national title.##NAJAVA_MECA_9876022##Having watched Kakamega dominate the competition for years before their recent struggles, he wanted to witness what he believes could be another glorious chapter in the school's rich football history."Kakamega High School has won this trophy many times before. In recent years we have struggled, so I decided I had to be here. I travelled home, preached to my congregation on Sunday and immediately came back because I believe these boys can win the trophy. I want to be among the parents and fans celebrating when we take it back to Kakamega."As Green Commandos continue their pursuit of another KSSSA crown, Matunda hopes more parents will begin viewing sport as an opportunity rather than a distraction.He believes some children are destined to excel on the pitch just as others do in the classroom, and denying them that chance only buries their potential."I want to tell fellow parents that if your child has talent, support them. Some children struggle in class but God has gifted them with talent in their hands or legs. It is our responsibility as parents to stand with them because talent can also build a future."Why KSSSA boss is pushing for more government fundingOn a day when Green Commandos moved within touching distance of another national title, one victory stood out beyond the scoreboard.It belonged to a father who refused to let distance, fatigue or responsibility stop him from keeping a promise he made years ago, to never stop believing in his son's dream.##NAJAVA_MECA_9876027##
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