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Retired Harambee Stars forward Boniface Ambani has paid a glowing tribute to former AFC Leopards’ Josephat Lopaga, who rose from street life to signing a deal with a European club.

Ambani, who is involved in football managerial activities as well as scouting talents at the moment, has recounted how Lopaga became a street boy, started his football career, and the steps he has taken in his career.

Lopaga’s hard life

“From the hardship area of Baragoi, where cattle rustling is the order of the day, to living in the streets, this is an inspiring story of a boy who never gave up and pushed beyond the limits, not knowing that one day his unexploited talent would fly him out of poverty and incessant cultural fights.

“Growing up in the streets is not something anyone would wish to have pride in or fancy. No one is born for the streets, but the streets harbour great minds and talents. From the county askaris engaging them in running battles to city residents ignoring them when they ask for help, the street families fight enormous challenges, let alone enduring the cold nights outside.

“Nicknamed Baragoi or bandit, Lopaga knows this life too well and can relate, having rummaged around Nairobi CBD searching not only for food but also a decent life to live like some of us,” Ambani said in a statement.

Education, rehabilitation

While in Nairobi, Lopaga was taken into a children’s home before he started playing football while also studying at educational facilities within the city.

“For the better part of his teenage life, Lopaga was a street urchin, juggling between the harsh life and the reality of one day making it out of there. He would be adopted by the City Stadium Homeless Youth Rehabilitation Centre from the streets, where sports were the main attraction and the tool used to transform them, thanks to former Mathare United goalkeeper Alex ‘Lalas’ Mwangi, who spearheaded the initiative.

“It was at this center that he sharpened his footballing skills, playing for Shy Football Academy. He was also privileged to continue with education at Joseph Apudo Primary and Highview Secondary Schools, having dropped out when he first escaped home to be a street boy in Nyahururu and Nakuru.

“The combination of education and football offered him opportunities to see life from a different prism and enjoy the simple privileges like any other child of his age,” the former AFC Leopards striker added.

Lopaga’s football journey

Lopaga’s career, as Ambani narrates, saw him join Gor Mahia Youth, Mount Kenya United, now defunct, Posta Rangers, and even AFC Leopards.

“The then Gor Mahia youth team head coach, Tom Ogweno, spotted him in 2017 after showcasing a stellar performance in a friendly match. He would sign for the youth for two seasons until 2019, when Mount Kenya United came calling for his signature in the NSL.

“As fate would have it, coach Stanley Okumbi also spotted him at Mt. Kenya, inviting him for trials at Posta Rangers and offering him a deal, marking the first time he would play in the top-flight league.”

Lopaga’s career growth was steady, as he also made it to the Harambee Stars’ junior sides, featuring in various tournaments.

“He would make baby steps in his football career, getting calls up to the national U17 team, then the U23 team. In June 2021, Lopaga made the final squad of the Emerging Stars, Kenya U23, to do duty in Ethiopia during the CECAFA U23, where the country finished fourth.

“Then AFC Leopards nabbed him from Rangers last year. However, luckily, after a season, he received an offer to join Omani side Dhofar Football Club. He has made another move this time, joining Belarusian team FC Dynamo Brest for a one-and-a-half-season deal.

“If this isn’t enough inspiration for you out there, then I don’t know. No one is limited,” Ambani concluded.

After overcoming legal hurdles, Lopaga, 20, completed a move to the Belarusian club.