In Nairobi, former Harambee Stars head coach Tom Olaba is seeking assistance to help him recover from paralysis following a spinal cord surgery. Olaba, who has a rich history in Kenyan football, serving as the national team’s coach in 2006 and an assistant coach in 1997, now faces the severe after-effects of his surgical procedure, which was necessitated by a spinal injury he attributes to his days playing football.
Facing tremendous financial hurdles, Olaba is struggling to maintain the frequent and costly physiotherapy sessions that are crucial to his rehabilitation. The treatments, which are necessary for his recovery, cost Sh3,000 each and are recommended to occur daily—an expense out of reach for the ailing coach. Instead, Olaba receives physiotherapy at his home only thrice a week, less than the advised regimen.
Olaba spoke about the consequences of the injury, outlining the limitations he experiences due to the paralysis. The surgery involved the placement of a supportive cage along his spine, but even with the medical intervention, regaining mobility remains a distant goal for him. Although doctors have not endorsed his belief that football is the root cause of his condition, Olaba remains convinced that an injury from his playing days laid the groundwork for his current struggles.
Source: People Daily