Harambee Starlets midfielder reveals painful struggles after exposing racism & injustice at Albanian club

A Kenyan midfielder shares her struggles with racism, late payments, and unfulfilled promises during her difficult stint abroad.

Kenyan midfielder Lorna Nyabuto has opened up once again about the challenges she faced during her brief stint in Europe, where she encountered racism, late payments, and professional frustrations.

Nyabuto, who took to social media earlier in July to expose the difficulties she faced at her former club, has now revealed fresh tribulations that came in the aftermath of her bold decision to speak out.

Nyabuto, who had signed a one-year contract to play in Europe, had hoped the move would be a turning point in her career.

However, things took a sharp downward turn, forcing her to return to Kenya and seek support from the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA).

"At times we wish for happy endings. After I did my interview about the frustrations and challenges, I never insulted the club when I was doing the interview, saying the truth will never change the way I felt about some people," she shared.

"That's when I came across a post accusing me of lying, and I'm here to share it."

Nyabuto explained that after declining to renew her contract, she faced backlash from her coach and other staff members.

Despite her dissatisfaction with the club’s treatment, including issues with racism and delayed payments, her decision not to extend her stay was met with hostility.

"I didn't want to renew my contract at the club because I wasn't comfortable with it. Thereafter, Rashidi Kenneth and Coach Javi were not okay with me not wanting to do so. What they are doing is not going to frustrate me," Nyabuto continued, explaining how screenshots were sent to the club to suggest she had insulted them.

Her frustrations were compounded as the club reportedly refused to release her.

"Now I'm not being released because of that. I don't want to quarrel with you either. I have a lot to deal with, and I'm not going to give up because of what you have done," Nyabuto stated, expressing her disappointment with the way she was treated.

Despite the hardships, Nyabuto remained steadfast, emphasizing that she had no regrets about exposing the situation.

"Being silent is not going to solve any of my problems. Yes, I was depressed, but that will not change what you did and what I said about you," she wrote.

In her expose in July, Nyabuto reflected on the personal challenges she faced in her everyday life during her time at the club.

Living in the team's accommodation, she felt isolated and uncomfortable, dealing with strained relations among teammates and having to prepare her meals in advance to make it through the day.

"Imagine taking cold food every day. No one wanted to see you perform, though I had people to talk to who made me feel relieved and encouraged me every day," Nyabuto shared.

She admitted that the experience left her feeling both depressed and discriminated against, though she remained focused on working hard on the pitch.

Her experience serves as a cautionary tale for fellow footballers, with Nyabuto advising others to thoroughly review contracts before signing, noting how her original one-year contract was later disputed, with the club claiming she had signed for three years.

"I want to say thank you to KEFWA and Chris Osale. I do appreciate you so much. By now, I wouldn't have come back if it weren't for your help," she expressed, grateful for the support she received in returning to Kenya after a difficult ordeal.

Before her move to Europe, Nyabuto had made a name for herself locally, playing for Kenya Police Bullets FC and Vihiga Queens, with her crowning moment coming when she made her international debut for Kenya in a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan.