This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
On June 15, 2020, Harambee Stars goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo made headlines with his daring journey from Kenya to Tanzania, defying a government-imposed travel ban due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shikalo, who plays for Yanga SC in Tanzania, embarked on the perilous journey by road from Mombasa to Nairobi, then to Namanga, where he crossed over to Tanzania.
According to Shikalo, his journey was facilitated by government officials from both countries, who ensured his safe passage from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam.
“Safari yangu kurejea Bongo ilikuwa ni kama movie, maana hakukuwa na ndege inayopaa kutoka Kenya kutokana na anga kufungwa kwa tishio la virusi vya Corona,” Shikalo narrated to Global TV Online.
Shikalo's journey was a testament to the efforts of government officials, including District Commissioner Jerry Muro of Ameru, who facilitated his travel from Namanga to Arusha, and later to Moshi, where he boarded a plane to Dar es Salaam.
With football season in Tanzania put on hold due to the pandemic, President John Magufuli's recent declaration of his country as coronavirus-free paved the way for Shikalo's return.
