Kenyan International John Baraza aka Barry has officially retired from football  after 2 decades as a top flight player.The Afcon 2004 Veteran has been instrumental for both clubs and country in his illustrious career.

Baraza in an emotionally penned post on his official facebook page announced his retirement as he thanked the different coaches and colelagues who he either played under or played with in his career spurning 20 years.

John Baraza at 38 years old was the oldest player still actively playing in the Kenyan premier league and despite his age he most of the time emerged as the Golden boot winner amid stiff competition from the younger players.\

Baraza was known for his humbleness,humility,hardwork and discipline that helped fuel his career from Africa,Asia and Europe where he left a mark.

“As i walk away from playing the game, i would like to say a big thank you to the people who throughout a long way in my long playing career they helped propel me into a mentionable FIGURE in the football industry, they helped me SCOOP lots of AWARDS and CHAMPIONSHIP medals”.

“So special mention to all coaches that we worked together.To the coaches Manoah,Twahir,Ghost Mulee,Salim,Zico,Kimanzi,Timbe,Davy,Kheri,Bobby,Naggi and many I wouldn’t mention. People, Coach Twahir Muhiddin stands out because he never gave up to show me how to score goals even when i kept on missing lots of goals , so sincerely speaking in him i got the art of scoring. So thanx Coach for your trust, your honesty and your passion for pursuit of excellence in me” John Baraza wrote.

“In international circles i would like to thank, coach Ghost Mulee, he gave me the Chance to get on the platform and i think i did not disappoint because we won CECAFA back 2002 and went to AFCON in Tunisia 2004 and over there we managed a win which was commendable”he added

Baraza’s career:

1994- 2002 Oserian Fastac

2003 – 2004 Sylvia in Sweden

2004 – 2005 Tusker then moved to Chemelil Sugar

2005 – 2006 Yanga in Tanzania

2006 – 2007 Polis DRM in Malaysia

2007 – 2008 Rayon Sports in Rwanda

2009 – Chemelil Sugar

2009 – 2015 Sofapaka

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com