Debutant Bajaber sparks City Stars match with Tusker
By Barry.Silah, May 18, 2022
Nairobi City Stars attacking midfielder Mohammed ‘Hamudi’ Bajaber, who joined the team on loan from Starfield Academy, made his Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League debut last Sunday in Ruaraka as the Kawangware based side held champions Tusker FC to a 0-0 draw.
Bajaber replaced forward Nicholas Kipkirui in the 85th minute to great applause from the fans watching on. His first touch of the ball a minute after coming on, a header to an Augustine Kuta freekick, flew wide.
“Bajaber had a good debut. Though for a short time, it is evident he has the quality needed,” said head coach Nicholas Muyoti
His debut came a week after he was named to the squad for a premier league game for the first time. In the previous game against Wazito FC, he was an unutilised substitute.
“I am really glad I made my (premier league) debut and earned some playtime in front of fans. I hope I can continue this way and help the team move forward,” said Bajaber.
He now has his work cut out; to push for more minutes in the final four games of the season against KCB, Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and FC Talanta in the next one month.
The youngster is rated highly, trialling with three-time Danish champions FC Midtjylland in August last year and has been called up to Kenya’s U20 and U23 junior sides.
Bajaber joined City Stars in February after training with the team for weeks where he got a nod from the technical bench which led to his move.
Team officials said that the 18-year-old showed professionalism and character evidenced by how he blended in well with the rest of the squad during training session.