It is always unusual when a public figure with a respected demeanour pours out his marital problems for the public to see.
For former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Francis Onyiso, however, nothing mattered more than keeping his marriage intact.
Onyiso, with the courage of a revered goalkeeper who was at some point Kenya’s Number one, took to a newspaper to say sorry.
In a paid advert on a local daily, Onyiso publicly apologized to his wife, in a bid to mend fences.
“I Francis Onyiso take this opportunity to apologize to my beloved wife Janet Aoko Owino for the pain I have caused her and the family. I ask for forgiveness and promise never to repeat again,” read the public apology.
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It is reported that the space on the daily cost Onyiso Ksh2,000.
He has, ever since, kept the reasons that led him to issue the public apology, close to his chest, leaving it to speculation.
In an interview, however, he noted that it took courage for him to publish the apology and that it served its purpose.
“Publishing that apology was one of the most courageous things I have ever had to do. People call me a coward, but they do not know the courage it takes for a man to put everything down and make such a move,” he stated.
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“The apology did what it was intended to do. It softened her up,” added Onyiso.
Onyiso featured for the Harambee Stars between 1996 and 2011, making 51 appearances. He was also part of the squad that qualified for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations.
He was poached by the military after his playing days and currently serves Ulinzi Stars as their goalkeepers’ trainer. He was also in the Kenya U17 national team as the goalkeeper trainer.
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