# @14thgunner on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DeU2biHDhSA
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71693501-14thgunner-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/6a25b19cf0.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-10T19:36:57.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Gloria Mariwa (@14thGunner) — https://gondola.cc/14thGunner

## Caption

Earlier this year, I took a bold risk to move to Nairobi mainly for football. I know most wouldn’t have such an opportunity, so I did the most with what I had.

Originally, I gave myself 6 months but instead, I was thankfully gifted 2 more.

Those 8 months catalyzed my growth both on and off the pitch, fueled by an incredibly supportive community. Honestly, I believe I’ve grown even more off the pitch as a person, strengthening my mentality beyond anything I could have imagined.

Don’t get me wrong, the on pitch development was massive too. I arrived highly unfit as a left winger, transitioned to the right, and absolutely loved my time playing as an attacking mid.

Half way into the 1st season, I continued as an attacking mid in the first half and GK, yes goalkeeper in the 2nd half where I did keep some clean sheets.

Once I got comfortable, boom left back, and if I’m lucky, right back with occasional in game transitions into centre back positions.

I knew I was a versatile player but didn’t know I still had a LOT to learn. I know Coach Ken absolutely enjoyed testing my mentality in all these positions. After sounding like a dying donkey in the first 30 minutes at the start of the year, he had me craving being part of the attack, and somehow made me drive up the pitch and drop back to fulfilling my attacking craving and fill my defensive responsibilities, on my own.

I hope I learnt to listen to understand, rather than reply. I hope the skill of having that fighting spirit and not giving up easily not only stays with me but keeps on growing too.

I don’t know who will laugh at my quick, sometimes unnecessary comments or go through my yapping now (aka Gloria premium), but I know we won’t turn into strangers. We will stay connected.

As much as I hate to make this post, I have to say goodbye. I need to move onto my next chapter, and I will forever be grateful for the loving family, supportive environment, and endless joy the whole TTA community gives.

In a blink, the daily (at times dreadful cold foggy) routines turned into sweet memories. Thank you :’)❤️

Poster: grg.dxn 

#truetalentsofafrica #womensfootball #africanfootball #football #growth

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 767
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 47

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gloria Mariwa | @14thGunner | https://gondola.cc/14thGunner | Creator |

## Tags

growth, truetalentsofafrica, africanfootball, football, womensfootball

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