Bradley Eloff: How a boy from Kawangware found his football dream in Barcelona

Bradley Eloff posing for a photo at his club in Barcelona, Spain. IMAGE/Courtesy

Bradley Eloff: How a boy from Kawangware found his football dream in Barcelona

Festus Chuma 22:30 - 09.01.2025

Kenya has produced many football talents, and Bradley Eloff’s journey from Kawangware to Spain highlights a promising new star.

Dreams are the fuel of greatness and for 17-year-old Bradley Eloff those dreams started on the dusty fields of Kawangware, Nairobi. 

A left-winger with blistering pace and an insatiable drive to succeed, Eloff’s rise from the informal settlements of Kawangware to the highly structured football academies of Barcelona showcases his dedication, relentless effort and deep-seated love for the beautiful game.

Currently featuring for UE Sant Andreu’s under-19 team in the Segunda Federación Group 3 in Spain, Eloff is steadily carving out a name for himself.

However, his story is not just about football; it is about a young boy who dared to dream big while staying grounded in his roots.

 “For me, it was something I would do not for the sake of training, not for the sake of going professional, but it was something that made me be with my friends and neighbors out there,” Eloff  told Capital Sports.

Born and raised in the vibrant yet challenging neighborhood of Kawangware, Eloff began kicking a ball around at a tender age. 

Surrounded by friends who shared his love for the game, he found joy and camaraderie on the local pitches. He officially joined a team when he was just eight years old, honing his skills alongside other aspiring talents. 

“I didn’t expect to be where I am today, it came as a surprise, but my love for football has always been there—not just as a job or a profession, but for fun. I have always enjoyed it,” Eloff said.

Eloff’s potential caught the attention of scouts, paving the way for his journey to Spain. He first joined the Avanza Football Academy in Montgat, Barcelona, before moving to Kaptiva Sports Academy in Sant Cugat. These stints prepared him for trials with UE Sant Andreu, where he impressed and earned a place in their under-19 squad.

Despite adapting to a new country, culture, and language, Eloff remains tethered to his Kenyan heritage. 

Over the Christmas holidays, he returned to Kenya and trained with his former team, Magic 90, in Kawangware.

 “This is where I learnt to play football. I remember starting here as a young boy. I never knew how to juggle, or how to dribble, but the good thing is that I am a fast learner,” he said, recalling his humble beginnings.

Kawangware has long been a fertile ground for Kenyan football talent, producing icons like Dennis Oliech, Harambee Stars winger Ayub Timbe, and the late goalkeeper Victor Waweru. Eloff now hopes to follow in their footsteps, aspiring for a call-up to Kenya’s national under-20 football team. 

“I would love to play for the national team. It’s something I have dreamt about multiple times. For me, it’s more than just about myself; it is all about representing the country,” he explained passionately.

Eloff has already crossed paths with other Kenya-born talents in Spain, such as defender Amos Wanjala and forward Adrian Kibet. During a match against Nastic Academy—where both Wanjala and Kibet play—Eloff was delighted to hear Swahili on the pitch, an encounter that reminded him of home.

While Eloff has embraced Spanish football’s tactical style, which emphasizes passing and quick movement over dribbling, he acknowledges the challenges of balancing football and academics. 

A 12th-grade student at AESA Prep Academy in Barcelona, he has committed to excelling both on and off the pitch.

 “I have had previous academy mates that have said they are playing football and they forgot about school. For me, it has never been like that because my mum has helped me a lot. She has always insisted on school, and I agree with her because there is life after football, so I plan to continue all the way to the university,” Eloff emphasized.

Training consumes much of Eloff’s time, leaving little room for socializing. However, he sees this sacrifice as essential to achieving consistency and making an impact in football, both in Kenya and Spain. For Eloff, every practice session is an opportunity to sharpen his skills and bring him closer to his ultimate dream of representing Kenya on the global stage.

The contrast between the football cultures of Kenya and Spain has been a learning curve for the young winger. 

“The difference I have seen between Kenya and Spain football is the style of play where unlike in Kenya, there is not so much of dribbling but passing the ball as you move forward and shooting when you get an opportunity,” Eloff observed.

In Barcelona, he has learned a new language, embraced a different culture and grown into a promising footballer. Yet, his heart remains firmly rooted in the community that nurtured him.

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