McDonald Mariga & Victor Wanyama Mourn the Loss of Their Mother, Mildred Wanyama
Mildred Wanyama, the mother of celebrated Kenyan football stars Victor Wanyama and McDonald Mariga, has sadly passed away.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Mariga on Saturday, June 14. In a public statement, he shared that their beloved mother died peacefully in the early hours of the morning.
He added that the family is currently in the process of making burial arrangements and promised to share more information with the public soon.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, who left us peacefully this morning,” Mariga expressed.
“We are making all the necessary arrangements and will provide more details in due course. Thank you for your support,” he added.
Mildred was more than just the mother of two of Kenya’s most iconic sportsmen. She was a sports personality in her own right.
Married to Noah Wanyama—a former footballer who once played for the renowned Kenyan club AFC Leopards—Mildred and Noah raised five children: four sons and one daughter. All of them followed athletic paths.
Apart from Victor and Mariga, their sons Thomas and Sylvester Wanyama also pursued careers in football, while their daughter Mercy Wanyama has made a name for herself in professional basketball, playing in Spain.
In her younger years, Mildred was actively involved in sports, particularly as a netball player. Her love for sports began during her time at Kenya Railways in the 1970s, where she worked alongside her future husband Noah. Their shared passion for athletics played a big role in bringing them together.
Throughout her life, Mildred was a constant source of support and inspiration to her children. She closely followed their careers and often expressed how proud she was of their achievements. She played a key role in shaping their paths.
A well-known story involves Mariga, her firstborn, who once considered quitting school after Form Three to join the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
Mildred stepped in, urging him to complete his high school education—a decision that proved life-changing, leading him to play for top European clubs, including Inter Milan in Italy.
When it came to Victor, Mildred’s support was equally vital. She helped nurture his talent from an early age, and he would go on to become the first Kenyan footballer to play in the English Premier League (EPL).
Victor also became a leader on the pitch, captaining the national team, Harambee Stars, during the 2019 African Cup of Nations—Kenya’s first appearance at the tournament in over ten years.
Mildred’s contributions to sports didn’t end with her children. She also blazed her own trail in sports leadership, especially in women’s sports.
From 2014 to 2018, she served as the President of the Kenya Netball Federation, where she worked tirelessly to uplift the sport and advocate for women athletes across the country.
Outside her official roles, Mildred was well-known for her strong presence in both family and community events. She often attended key milestones in her children’s lives, standing by them during major matches and personal achievements.
Her grace, strength, and warmth were felt not just within her family but also by those who interacted with her in the sports world and beyond.
Her passing marks a great loss to her family and to the larger Kenyan sporting community. Mildred Wanyama will be remembered not only as the proud mother of Kenya’s football heroes but also as a passionate sports leader, a supportive parent, and a symbol of strength and determination.
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