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Masoud Juma should have joined AFC Leopards in 2017, but one concerning factor left him with no choice but to snub him for Kariobangi Sharks.
Harambee Stars forward Masoud Juma has shed light on the decision that shaped his footballing career, explaining why he snubbed a move to AFC Leopards in 2017 for Kariobangi Sharks.
Juma, who recently joined Iranian top-flight club Esteghlal, revealed the financial and logistical reasons behind his choice during an interview with Buzz Sports.
Juma had been close to signing for the 12-time Kenyan Premier League champions after an impressive performance in a friendly match, where he scored twice in a 3-2 victory over Leopards at Kasarani Stadium. However, negotiations hit a snag over the payment structure.
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08:00 - 01.12.2024
'My words were twisted' - Harambee Stars forward Masoud Juma clears the air over Gor Mahia & AFC Leopards 'small teams' jibe
Harambee Stars forward Masoud Juma has clarified the situation over comments he made about AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia being 'small teams' that landed him in trouble back in 2017.
“We had come to terms over salary and signing-on fees, but the terms of payment made the deal impossible to go through,” Juma shared.
“They wanted to pay it in two installments, which is not something I was happy with.”
He emphasised the importance of receiving his dues upfront to stay motivated on the pitch.
“When you pay me my signing-on fee, I owe you. It means I will have to work hard for you. But if you owe me, why should I bother putting a shift in if you have not paid me? I need football for survival.”
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11:22 - 09.12.2024
Harambee Stars forward Masoud Juma officially unveiled at Pitso Mosimane-coached Iranian side following 11-month injury lay-off
Juma, who has previously worked under former Manchester United boss Benni McCarthy at Capetown City, will now be working under another South African legend Pitso Mosimane for Iran's oldest club.
Kariobangi Sharks presented a more appealing offer, handing Juma his signing fee in cash.
“At Kariobangi Sharks, they gave me cash on hand. I had to count it manually. It was an envelope full of around 500,000 shillings. Imagine coming with that from Hurlingham to Eastleigh. If you had stopped me, I would have run away!”
This gesture and the club’s vision convinced Juma to sign with Sharks, where he enjoyed a stellar season, scoring 23 goals in all competitions. His remarkable form earned him a move to South African side Cape Town City, kickstarting his journey to playing for clubs in the UAE, Libya, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia.
While Sharks provided a launching pad for his career, Juma admitted that playing for the club came with its own set of challenges. Being part of a team owned by then-FKF president Nick Mwendwa meant increased scrutiny and pressure.
“You can be talented while at Sharks, but not get called up to the national team. It is very, very difficult. For you to be called up, you have to be really special. And if you get called up, you will barely sleep because people on the internet will talk and talk.”
Juma recounted a moment before a crucial 2019 AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone when he felt overwhelmed by the pressure of representing the national team while at Sharks.
“There was a time before we played Sierra Leone (for his debut), and I never wanted to go. I even went to Isiolo and switched off my phone!”
Juma’s decision to join Sharks may have come with challenges, but it also propelled him to new heights. Now a key figure in the Harambee Stars setup, his journey serves as a testament to the power of taking risks and making decisions that align with one’s principles.
Having debuted for Esteghlal recently, Juma continues to carve a legacy, showcasing the talent and determination that has taken him from local pitches in Kenya to the international stage.
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