Derrick Guchu, a playmaker, reflected on how his role has shaped him in his new job during the +Sports for Peace and Development Program reflection meeting with Playmakers and Coaches.

These are his remarks.

"I joined this project in 2022 and have grown through the skills I learned and shared with my peers and GAME Zone kids.

Before that, I was very shy.

My passion was flickering like a candle in the wind. Though my steps were hesitant and my gaze often lowered, my heart beat with the rhythm of unspoken dreams. Joining the sports project felt like stepping onto a stage I wasn't ready to own, but with every practice, I realized that greatness starts with a single, brave step into the unknown.

Through continuous capacity strengthening, my shyness faded, I became more confident, and my public speaking started improving.

I was also given roles at the GAME zones, and sometimes, I led the team, which further boosted my confidence and courage.

Being entrusted with roles was like being handed a key to unlock hidden potential. Whether leading warm-ups, strategizing plays, or cheering teammates from the sidelines, each task builds confidence.

These roles encourage me to speak up, share ideas, and engage with others meaningfully.

Over time, shy whispers turned into clear voices, hesitant actions transformed into bold moves, and thanks to MIDRIFT HURINET through the GAME project, I not only grew in self-assurance but also learnt the art of collaboration and effective communication both on and off the field.

These assisted me in leveling up my digital skills, and I used my LinkedIn profile to post, market, and share my skills with the world.

I also shared the same with my peers and the GAME Zone kids.

A tech company saw my work through the digital platform and reached out.

We agreed on the terms, and I joined them. I leveraged the skills I learned at the GAME zones, and within a short period, I was elevated to lead the Nairobi region team.

When I reflect on everything that I am doing, it all started here.

As I sat in my corner office, overlooking a city buzzing with innovation, I can't help but trace my journey back to the dusty fields at the GAME zones I joined in 2022.

There, amidst the drills, teamwork, and competitive spirit, I learned the essence of leadership. Leading a team to victory taught me to strategize under pressure, to adapt when plans went awry, and to uplift others even when the odds seemed insurmountable. The discipline of practice, the art of collaboration, and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks became second nature and now shape my every decision in the tech world.

More than the technical know-how, the human connection I mastered in that field has propelled me to this position.

During after-school and weekend practices, communicating with diverse personalities, fostering trust, and uniting people toward a shared goal were skills forged.

The same determination I channeled to lead a team on the field is now driving innovation and growth in the company.

Looking back, I realize that success wasn't just about games; it was about becoming someone who could inspire, collaborate, and lead in any arena.

I have now chosen a different path in mentoring my peers and GAME Zone kids in digital freelancing.

Once a fierce competitor on the field, I've swapped jerseys for keyboards, coaching peers and kids not on physical endurance but on the limitless potential of digital freelancing.

The same discipline that sports demand now fuels my passion for teaching others how to turn their talents into opportunities online.

Like in sports, freelancing requires strategy, commitment, and a willingness to keep learning. I show them that their unique writing, design, coding, or even storytelling skills are not just hobbies but gateways to global markets. Together, we're redefining what it means to win by helping them claim their space in the digital economy.

Through workshops and one-on-one mentoring, I teach them how to build online portfolios, pitch their services, and leverage platforms to showcase their abilities. The thrill of seeing a young kid land their first client or a peer get paid for their creativity rivals the joy of a championship win.

Digital freelancing isn't just a job; it's empowerment, a way to break barriers, and an opportunity to thrive regardless of location.

My mission is clear: just as I once rallied my team on the field, I now rally these budding freelancers to dream more prominent, market more innovative, and realize that in the digital world, the only limits are the ones they set for themselves.

Hanging up my jersey isn't the end of my journey but the beginning of a new calling.

The lessons I learned on the field, resilience, teamwork, and the power of belief, are too valuable to keep to myself. That's why I'm stepping into public speaking and mentorship, sharing my story with kids who need a reminder that greatness isn't born; it's built. I want to show them that failure is a stepping stone and that discipline and determination can unlock doors they never thought possible. This isn't just about telling my story; it's about sparking theirs, giving back to the community that cheered me on, and leaving a legacy measured not in trophies but

in lives transformed."

By

Jacob Karani