Ten sports personalities who ventured into other works during Corona pandemic
Following deliberate policy by government to outlaw all social gatherings including sporting disciplines since the onset of Covid-19 in March, some sports personalities have devised ways of making ends meet - doing odd jobs here and there is is no longer out of the ordinary for sporters and we take a peek at some of those who have gone the extra mile to put food on the table, writes Charles Thuku
Wellington Ochieng’-Gor Mahia FC (Poultry)
Ochieng’, who excels in aerial duels, has all along been a hard-worker to a fault. 
A journeyman who has had stints with Amani FC, Urusi FC, Agro Chemicals and Muhoroni Youth, Ochieng’ has found solace in his rural home in Kisumu where he sells broiler chicken.
It is apparent that Ochieng’ enjoys his side hustle and most of his customers say that the prices of the birds are pocket- friendly.
Steve Waruru-KCB FC (Plumbing)
With no football activities due to the pandemic, the indefatigable Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side KCB striker has gone the extra mile and is now engaged in plumbing and construction of biodigesters while waiting for the season to resume. 
Waruru, who has previously featured for Ulinzi Stars, Sofapaka and national team Harambee Stars, said he learned the skills while serving in the military.
A go-getter, Waruru has challenged fellow players to supplement their football skills with technical courses which can come in handy especially this time when the coronavirus pandemic has rocked the world.
Wesley Onguso- Nairobi City Stars (BODA BODA RIDER)
Nairobi City Stars defender Wesley Onguso aptly fits the bill of an industrious personality. 
Onguso, who once donned national team Harambee Stars, Sofapaka and Gor Mahia colours, is into ‘boda boda’ business in his Kawangware neighbourhood and he has no regrets for what he is doing.
“I urge fellow footballers to shun pride and engage in income generating activities,” said Onguso who has employed three people in the business.
Steve ‘FaThela’ Okola- Sofapaka (Carpentry)
The second last born in a family of seven, Fathela astounded many when he ventured into carpentry business in Biafra Estate in Nairobi where he was born and brought up.
Fathela, who left School in Form 3 at Kathungi Secondary due to lack of fees, is usually seen at Gikomba Market buying timber to construct Sofa sets, stools and tables for his customers.
The most expensive item he has built and sold was a six-seater pallet sofa for Sh 23,000.
Micheal Kibwage-KCB FC (Shoe seller)
The soft-spoken central defender and KCB captain joined the bandwagon of sportsmen seeking other means of raising an income to feed their families.
Kibwage is a common figure in the streets of Nairobi Central Business District where he sells sports shoes.
The former Harambee Stars and AFC Leopards utility player has no qualms playing a cat-and-mouse game with Nairobi City County askaris as long as the business he operates feeds his young family.
Francis Ouma- Ex-Mathare Utd and Kenya striker (Mechanic)
Ouma, who won the KPL title with Mathare in 2008 and was also the top scorer of the season, is a man of many hats.
Besides his love for swimming, Ouma is an accomplished mechanical engineer in Berlin, Germany.
Ouma, who also turned out for Italian side Parma in 2008-2009, is an expert of several makes of vehicles which has endeared him to his large customer base.
He finished the 2012 KPL season with nine goals, making him the joint ninth top scorer.
Francis Chinjili-Former Mumias Sugar and AFC Leopards striker (Fish farming)
The burly striker, who was once in the books of St. Georges FC of Ethiopia, has been an astute businessman ever since he quit football in 2013. 
Chinjili operated a shop in Mbale, Vihiga County sometimes back but it did not fare on well, forcing him to close it.
The Kakamega High School alumni then changed tack and is now a fish-monger in Bunyore and according to a recent interview with the media, he revealed that is getting fairly good profit from the business.
Lawrence Cherono- Long distance runner (Dairy farmer)
The Chicago Marathon champion is not idling as he has embarked on serious dairy farming at his rural home in Ziwa, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. 
Cherono also produces fresh products that are consumed in his neighbourhood and its environs.
He is currently tied with Ethiopians Tamirat Tola and Asefa Mengistu for the 18th fastest marathoners of all time based on his 2.04.06 run during the Amsterdam Marathon in October, 2018.
Dominic Ndigiti-Walking racer (ARTISANRY)
Ndigiti is a man who has been working clay and bricks in Kisii town during this trying time of Covid-19.
The African walking race champion is creative enough as he makes affordable jikos which he sells in far-flung areas like Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret and Mumias.
Ndigiti is also capable of making portable jikos which are a hit with the clients.
Geoffrey Kataka-Former Harambee Stars, KRA FC and Posta Rangers striker (Fabricator)
Kataka is a metal fabricator along Kangundo Road in Nairobi and has attracted many customers.
If you want metal windows, doors or gates for a newly built house, just pay him a visit there and you will not be disappointed as the prices are affordable.
