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Masoud Juma may now be one of Harambee Stars' most important players and also plays for Saudi Arabian outfit Al Jabalain, but his journey to the top was not the easiest.
Masoud Juma’s remarkable rise from the dusty pitches of Isiolo to the national spotlight as a key Harambee Stars forward is a story of resilience and tenacity.
Often likened to Kenyan football icon Dennis Oliech, Juma’s journey reflects the determination required to excel against all odds.
Juma is now playing for Saudi Arabian second division outfit Al Jabalain, but his footballing odyssey began at Tumaini Primary School, where his talent quickly became apparent.
By the time he joined Isiolo Barracks Secondary School, he was already making waves, leading his team to victory at the Coca-Cola/AFCO Inter-military Schools Championship. Juma’s five goals in the tournament earned him the MVP award, cementing his reputation as one of Isiolo’s rising stars.
Outside school competitions, he also showcased his skills at Isiolo Youth FC in the Kenyan County Champions League. After brief stints with FKF Division One side Kambakia Christian Centre FC, Juma returned to Isiolo Youth FC in early 2014, setting the stage for his professional breakthrough.
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Juma’s big break came later that year when Shabana, then a National Super League team, discovered him in 2014 during a national talent search at Kasarani. Under the guidance of Gilbert Selebwa, Juma quickly showcased his potential, scoring five goals in just three months. This earned him comparisons to Dennis Oliech, a tag that would follow him throughout his career.
“Gilbert Selebwa first broke it to the media, saying he had a guy of the same qualities as Dennis Oliech despite coming from Isiolo. It was great to have been compared to a Kenyan great, but it came with pressure because everyone wanted to know who was this guy being compared to Oliech,” Juma recalled in an interview with Buzz Sports.
The comparisons aside, Juma’s talent attracted the attention of top-tier clubs, and in the summer of 2014, he signed a two-year deal with Bandari. His transition to professional football, however, was not without its challenges.
Setbacks and resilience
After a promising start in 2015, an ankle injury in April sidelined Juma for five months, just as he had earned a call-up to the Kenya U23 squad.
He returned in September to help Bandari finish fourth in the league and scored a crucial goal in the FKF President’s Cup final, securing a 4-2 victory over Nakumatt.
Despite his contributions, Juma struggled for game time in the 2016 season due to new acquisitions at Bandari. Determined to find his place, he joined now defunct SoNy Sugar during the midseason transfer window.
His stint there was marked by spectacular goals and a call-up to the senior Harambee Stars squad by head coach Stanley Okumbi.
Overcoming Challenges
Juma’s journey was not just about football but also about overcoming personal loss. “When I was in class six in 2008, I lost both my parents, so it was just football or football,” he shared. “Joining Bandari was an opportunity to change my life.”
His debut in the Kenyan Premier League was a pivotal moment, especially for his supporters back in Isiolo.
“Many were asking whether I was playing for Bandari Youth instead. However, the first televised game I played was against Chemelil, and I told them to buy a DSTV to see me. I came on in the 66th minute, and soon after, they were all posting me on social media, saying I was the first guy from Isiolo to play in the Premier League.”
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Juma is currently nearing a full recovery from a nine-month Achilles injury he suffered last February. Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has emphasised the value of Juma’s one-on-one qualities, which the national team has sorely missed.
From his humble beginnings in Isiolo to earning comparisons with Dennis Oliech, Masoud Juma’s journey highlights the immense sacrifices and determination required to succeed in football. As he prepares for his return to action, Juma remains a symbol of hope and inspiration for young players in marginalized areas dreaming of a professional career.
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