The sensational Harambee Stars’ offensive midfielder, Mohammed Bajaber, 22, embodies the dreams
of aspiring Kenyan footballers.
He has rapidly risen to glory, thanks to his skill, commitment and
love of the game.
Bajaber has been the talk of the town following his
master-class act for the national team against Gambia on March 20.
His engrossing exploits at the Stade
Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, captured the hearts of many Kenyans.
He netted
a stunner in the 75th minute to level terms for Kenya
after head coach Benni McCarthy handed him a debut
in the fiercely contested match that ended 3-3.
The match against Gambia was a roller-coaster of
emotions, showcasing the unpredictable nature of
the beautiful game.
The hosts took an early lead with
Musa Barrow’s goal in the 55th minute, followed by
Yankuba’s strike just six minutes later.
However, the Harambee Stars’ skipper, Michael Olunga, responded fiercely, equalising in the 69th minute
to ignite a spark of hope.
Bajaber then entered the fray
and burned a hole in the net to keep the score-line at
2-2, showcasing his remarkable individual skill and
composure under pressure.
-Despite the Gambia regaining the lead with another
goal from Barrow, William Lenkupae’s late equaliser
secured a vital point for Kenya in the dramatic draw.
This performance not only highlighted Bajaber’s
talent but also underscored his potential as a future
luminary in Kenyan football.
His story is one of hope,
resilience and unyielding passion. With each match, he
brings the dreams of a nation closer to reality.
Bajaber’s ascent in the world of football has been meteoric. His passion for football was apparent from an
early age.
Neighborhood football matches fostered his
enthusiasm and allowed him to refine his skills, build
strong technical abilities and improve his football IQ.
“I’m the last born in our family, and all my elder
siblings have a deep passion for football. I was greatly
influenced by them and I ultimately developed a deep
affection for football,” Bajaber remarked.
“I have wanted to play professionally since I was
a young child, and sealing a spot in the national
team had always been my ultimate goal,” he added.
His journey began at the Starfield Academy
(based at Braeburn School, Garden Estate), one of
Kenya’s premier sports institutions, where he honed
his skills and developed a profound understanding
of the game. This early exposure to the game laid a solid foundation for his future endeavours.
“Enrolling at Starfield Academy, one of Kenya’s
premier sports academies, further refined my technical abilities and provided me with invaluable training that would serve me well in my professional career,” he added.
In 2021, while a student at Starfield, he participated
in trials at FC Midtjylland, a top-tier Danish team.
“In addition to having one of the greatest clubs,
Midtjylland is home to one of Scandinavia’s oldest and
best football academies, which has produced several
players for the Danish national team,” Bajaber said.
At the age of 18, Bajaber made a significant leap
by signing with Nairobi City Stars in February 2022,
marking the beginning of his professional journey. He
spent weeks training with the team before signing a
contract.
Despite facing challenges, including injuries that marred his debut season, Bajaber’s tenacity
shone through.
He expressed gratitude for the support of his teammates and coaches, emphasising the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles.
“I had multiple injuries in my debut season with the
City Stars. Although it was extremely difficult, I want
to express my gratitude to my teammates, the support
staff and coach Nicholas Muyoti. They were patient
and encouraging with me,” he reflected.
This period of adversity laid the groundwork for
his eventual breakthrough. He made his debut for
the Nairobi City Stars against the AFC Leopards,
and he played a key role in their 1-1 draw.
His breakthrough moment came on March 16,
2023, when he scored his first Premier League goal
against Wazito FC, a testament to his growth and development as a player.
The 2023-24 FKF Premier League season marked a
turning point for Bajaber. With newfound confidence,
he scored six goals and provided four assists, demonstrating his evolution as a player.
“I made 63 appearances and scored 11 goals during my tenure with the Nairobi City Stars, making it
a successful transition from unknown to important
player,” he said.
Coach Nicholas Muyoti’s remarks about Bajaber’s
professionalism and moral qualities highlight the respect he has garnered from those around him, reinforcing his status as a role model for aspiring athletes.
“Despite his youth, he demonstrated strong professionalism and moral qualities. He was able to fit
in well with the rest of the team,” Muyoti stated in an earlier interview.
Bajaber’s recent transfer to Kenya Police FC further exemplifies his upward
trajectory. His ability to adapt and
perform in a new environment
speaks volumes about his character and skill.
The current KPL leaders announced at the beginning of the
season that they had acquired
the midfielder. Before joining
the Kenya Police, Bajaber had
also courted interest from
record champions Gor Mahia and Mombasa-based Bandari FC.
Since joining from Nairobi City Stars during the
January transfer window, he has made an impression while wearing the Kenya Police colours.
In his
five games, he has scored three goals in the league and
five goals overall.
In his maiden appearance for the law enforcers, Bajaber got his name on the score-sheet, helping to secure a pivotal 2-0 win over Bidco United at Machakos’
Kenyatta Stadium.
Later, the midfielder performed incredibly, netting
a brace as Kenya Police thumped Murang’a Seal 3-0.
“I believe I’m capable of doing better. There are still
things I need to work on. The goal is now to improve my fitness,” he remarked, showcasing his commitment to continuous improvement.
As Bajaber continued to impress, his performances caught the attention of the national team selectors. In January, he finally made his Harambee Stars
debut, sitting out the entire game in a friendly match
against Burkina Faso.
He eventually got a taste of the international scene
when he was selected to play against Tanzania in the
Mapinduzi Cup.
His inclusion in the Harambee Stars squad for
World Cup qualifying matches against Gabon and
Gambia marked a significant milestone in his career.
His stellar performance against Gambia solidified
his place in the hearts of Kenyan fans.
Harambee
Stars head coach McCarthy praised Bajaber’s performance, questioning why previous management had
overlooked such talent.
“He greatly impressed me when we had the mini-camp with the local players. Players who are bold
and do not mind making mistakes are the ones I like.
It is clear what he is attempting to accomplish, and
if he succeeds, it will be fantastic. You want these
players on your team because you know they will
succeed. I adore players who are like that, and he
will get it right.”
“I am happy I gave him the chance. He demonstrates to Kenya and the coaches who were previously present what they could have had and what
they lost out on.
“I am glad for him. Hopefully, he will continue to
improve. He enjoys working, developing, and learning. I like that about players because they ultimately
improve themselves,” McCarthy remarked.
As Bajaber continues to develop, his aspirations
extend beyond the borders of Kenya. His ambition
to play professionally in Europe remains a driving
force.
His determination to improve and learn resonates with
the ethos of a true athlete.
In an interview, he expressed, “I love football and
I just want to enjoy it and
hopefully, play professionally
in Europe at some point in my
career,” he said.
“My desire to play overseas has
been motivating me to perform well
on the field. I firmly believe that the time
will come, so I must continue to work
hard, give it my all and be open to learning when the time comes,” he expressed.
This ambition is not merely a personal
goal; it embodies the aspirations of countless
young players in Kenya who dream of making
their mark on the global stage.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed reckons Bajaber’s ascent in the
football world is not merely a personal triumph;
it serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring young
footballers in Kenya.
“His journey reflects the potential within
the nation to produce exceptional talent capable of competing on the global stage. The
success of players like Bajaber can inspire the
next generation, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and believe in their abilities. His story resonates with many, particularly those who have faced adversity in
their pursuit of greatness,” Hussein said.
Bajaber’s emergence comes at a crucial
time when the national team seeks to regain its footing and establish itself as a formidable force in African football.
His journey from the streets of Kenya to
the national team exemplifies the power of
dreams and the importance of nurturing
talent.
As he continues to make strides in
his career, Bajaber stands as a testament
to the potential that resides within
Kenya’s footballing community.
The future of Kenyan football looks
promising, with Bajaber leading the charge.
