Fans have taken to social media to wish former Kenya National team Harambee Stars Captain McDonald Mariga a happy birthday with hearty messages.
Mariga, who is celebrating his 31st birthday today, April 4, has enjoyed a successful playing career in his early days, with winning the Champions League title his highest point in his career.
Apart from being the first Kenyan to win the Champions League, he was the first Kenyan player to play in La Liga, the first Kenyan to play in Serie A and the first to play in the Champions League.
His younger brother and current Stars’ Captain Victor Wanyama became the second Kenyan to play in the Champions League, turning out for Celtic.
Mariga started his playing career at Ulinzi Stars, before moving first to Tusker FC and then to Kenya while still at school.
Mariga was a member of the Kamukunji High School 'Golden Boys', which also included Kenyan striker Dennis Oliech who won two consecutive National Championships in 2002 and 2003.
The central midfielder went to Sweden in 2005 to play for third Division side Enkopings.After only one season at ESK, he signed for Helsingborgs IF before the 2006 season.
His success at Helsingborgs was immediate, following initial interest from Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp. Mariga looked set to sign for the Premier League team, but work permit issues held up the deal which was supposed to have cost around €2.7 million.
Here are some of the wishes;
Ignacio Rodriguez @nacho771984 2h2 hours agoMoreReplying to @RealOviedo @MarigaOfficialFacilidades Mandinga! æøå
Brian M. Musyimi 💪 @BMUSYIMI 2h2 hours agoMoreReplying to @RealOviedo @MarigaOfficialFelicidades Mariga
Maria @maria_ovetensa 2h2 hours agoMoreReplying to @RealOviedo @MarigaOfficialMuchas felicidades disfruta al máximo de tu día
Parent Project Spain @DPPSpain 2h2 hours agoMoreReplying to @RealOviedo @MarigaOfficialMuchas felicidades