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The Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) has established a restaurant for former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars player Abdalla Juma.

Juma has been struggling with mental health issues post-retirement from a distinguished football career and KEFWA saw it fit to set up a restaurant for Abdalla in the Shanzu area, specializing in serving authentic coastal cuisine paired with refreshing fruit juices.

KEFWA discussion

The decision came after fruitful discussions with Abdalla’s mother, who brings her expertise in preparing Swahili dishes and managing the business to the table.

Abdalla Juma, renowned as one of the finest full-backs of his time, earned accolades during his tenure with Harambee Stars and various Kenyan Premier League clubs, notably AFC Leopards SC, Thika United, and Sofapaka Familia.

However, like many athletes, Abdalla faced a challenging transition into post-football life, grappling with mental health and depression.

Recognizing his plight, KEFWA intervened by arranging for his rehabilitation at Port Reitz Sub-County Hospital in Mombasa, where he underwent counseling and therapy for over six months.

Thanks to the support received, Abdalla responded positively to treatment and counseling, enabling him to regain stability and return to his family.

As a father of three, Abdalla’s recovery not only brings hope to his immediate family but also to his wider support network, for whom he was a pillar during his football career.

To ensure sustained progress in his recovery journey and provide a source of livelihood, KEFWA facilitated the establishment of the restaurant business for Abdalla and his mother.

This initiative aims to empower Abdalla economically while promoting his overall well-being.

John Baraza, Former Players Welfare officer and seasoned striker, emphasized KEFWA’s commitment to addressing the welfare concerns of retired players like Abdalla.

KEFWA’s call

He highlighted the need for collective efforts from football stakeholders to support former athletes facing similar challenges.

“The case of Abdalla is just one of the many challenges our players are facing currently. We are however determined as the department focusing on matters welfare of former players that we reach out and address these predicaments, one by one, amicably. We will be going across the country with such capacity-building initiatives,” Baraza stated.

KEFWA President Situma James echoed these sentiments, urging all stakeholders, including the government and sports bodies, to prioritize the mental health and well-being of athletes.

“It is high time for us as stakeholders including the Ministry of Sports, clubs, and officials to re-look into our players’ welfare. For instance, they can incorporate guiding and counseling sessions touching on all spheres of their lives to ensure a seamless transition be it psychologically, financially, or professionally,” Situma stated.