Wangari, Kabluce: A football love story that started on the pitch

Before she met John Ndungu, popularly known as Kabluce, football meant nothing to Ann Wangari, but love has a way of rewriting passions.

"Before meeting John, I had zero interest in football. Now, I even play football myself. That’s just the power of love,” she says, smiling.

John recalls noticing Wangari at matches where she would occasionally come to watch. In 2021, he invited her out for lunch as friends, but they soon became more than that.

As their friendship grew, Wangari began helping the team that John played for in small yet impactful ways, such as collecting and washing the team jerseys after every match.

“She did it without ever complaining or expecting anything in return. That kind of selflessness really struck me. It made me realise that she had the qualities I wanted in a wife,” John says.

Her commitment didn’t stop there. When Kabluce Malkia Ladies FC was formed in 2023, she took it upon herself to wash the women's team's jerseys too, a task she continues to carry out faithfully.

Inspired by the team’s formation and encouraged by John, Wangari joined the ladies' squad as a player.

“John has been my biggest cheerleader. He fully supported me when I said I wanted to play, and he’s also our coach, which makes it even more special,” she says.

The couple often trains together, which has become a valuable bonding experience for them both.

After every match, whether they win or lose, they take time to reflect and encourage each other.

“We made it a rule to always talk about our games and lift each other up, regardless of the outcome,” John explains.

John and Wangari's shared love of Chelsea FC has added an extra dimension to their bond.

“Supporting the same team means we celebrate together and tease each other a little. We also make time to watch Chelsea games together and go on outings on our rest days, which are Saturdays,” he says.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. One of the hardest times, as Wangari recalls, was when John sustained a spinal injury that left him immobile for over a month.

"It was scary. I had to care for him and couldn’t train alone because I was so used to having him around. But I’m grateful he recovered, and we’re back to our routine,” she says.

Their love story has influenced their son, too. He shares their love for football and often joins them during matches, filling their hearts with joy.

In addition to this they have been able to inspire four more couples to join the team, which Wangari describes as heartwarming.

“It’s such a delight to see love growing within the team. It creates a sense of community and support that goes beyond football,” she says.

John emphasises the importance of having a supportive partner, especially when pursuing dreams that others might not understand.

“Having someone who believes in you, even when the world doesn’t, makes all the difference. It gives you the strength to keep going,” he says.

With a smile, Wangari adds, “It might seem small, but taking an interest in your partner’s hobbies helps create fun, meaningful conversations, and it keeps the spark alive.”