Staunch Bungoma Tout Dreams Of Playing Professional Football In Europe

BUNGOMA, Kenya- George Musumba is a man who is determined to make it in football despite the odds that are against his dream.

His age confirms that he has few years to play the game before he hangs his boots and the 35-year-old Target FC midfielder has to juggle between being a matatu tout in Bungoma town and playing football to make ends meet.

“I was introduced to the sport by my brother Daniel Wandera when I was in standard four at Moi Primary School.

“I believe football could have taken me places but my parents died when I was young, so as an orphan, I had to fend for myself,” the Manchester United FC die-hard fan underlined.

Musumba wakes up at 5am every day to do his roadwork at the adjacent Muskoma Hills next to the town for 45 minutes, which involves running up and down the hilly terrains to build stamina and strength.

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After the exercise, he leaves for work where he is a tout operating along the Chwele-Kimilili route.

He does this job until 4pm before he changes gear to link up with his Target FC team mates for practice sessions at Bungoma High School beginning 4.15 pm to 6.45 pm.

“I always carry with me kits so I do not have to return to the house after work. I just head straight to the pitch. We train from Monday to Friday ahead of the weekend fixtures,” he highlighted.

Through this determination, the father of one has helped his team to climb up to Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Western Provincial League where they are currently seventh in the standings with nine points.

“We have brought in two defenders, two strikers and three midfielders to help beef the squad ahead of the second leg that is starting next week,” says Musumba whose role model is former Brazilian football wizard Ronaldinho.

“Our aim is to finish in the top two so we can qualify for the FKF Division Two League next season. My prayer is that I will live long enough to have a taste of the SportPesa Premier League and if possible play professional football in Europe.”

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Musumba is inspired by the fact that some of his former club members, including John Mark Makwatta who is currently with Al Nasr FC of Kuwait, Salim Abdala (AFC Leopards SC) and Kennedy Oduor (Sofapaka), have gone out to make it big in the game.

“Even if I don’t realize my vision which is to play professional football abroad, I’m still ready to give back to the society in one way or the other.

“Most probably, I will take coaching classes to mentor and inspire upcoming players,” he highlighted.

Despite his tedious journey, Musumba also counts the numerous blessings that football has brought his way among them being able to earn bursaries and scholarships that helped him to finish school with ease.

 “I did not have parents to pay for my school fees but football did it for me, all the way from Moi Primary, to Bungoma  and Lugulu high schools. I also did my ‘A’ levels at St.Peters College in Tororo, Uganda on scholarships.

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“Being signed by Target FC also gave me numerous opportunities to travel as we are always on the road every other weekend to honor fixtures.”

Musumba believes his team can go far if they get solid sponsorship that will see the players earn salaries, allowances and acquire better playing kits.

“As a team, we feel so bad playing bare chest or in uniforms that aren’t matching. We only do so because of the passion we have for the sport,” he emphasized.