Award-winning Nairobi United midfielder coy on future amid strong transfer interest

Nairobi United midfielder Enock Machaka has refused to be drawn into discussions about his future and said he will only decide after Sunday's season-ending clash against FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia.

Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news

Machaka, who was named Nairobi United's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for a second consecutive season has, once again, found himself at the center of transfer speculation following another outstanding campaign for the club.

The midfielder walked away with a Ksh 800,000 cash award during the club's end-of-season gala, where players and members of the technical bench were recognized for their contributions this campaign.

The celebrations were further boosted after the club's patron, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, announced that he would honor a previous promise to award each player a house in Nairobi.

Sakaja also pledged continued support to strengthen the squad as the club prepares for next season.

Despite the club appearing to have laid a strong foundation for the future, Machaka remained non-committal when asked whether he would still be part of the project next season.

"I cannot talk about that now, but let's wait until I finish my last game of the season against Gor Mahia, then we will see what happens," said the former Bandari midfield general

"Let's see what happens at the end of the season. I cannot speak about it now."

Blow as Harambee Stars prospect earns USA call up

The former Bandari midfielder has been linked with a move away from Nairobi on several occasions and has once again attracted attention after an impressive season in which he featured regularly across all competitions.

Machaka credits his development to the trust shown in him by the coaching staff, who handed him a key role in the team throughout the campaign.

"To me, it is a plus because I am continuing to gain more experience. The more I play, the more experience I get," he said.

Gor Mahia set for coronation as relegation battle goes down to the wire on final day

Nairobi has enjoyed a dream debut season in the top flight; the newcomers are on course for a top-five finish and also reached the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup at the first attempt, exceeding expectations both domestically and on the continental stage.

According to Machaka, competing against unfamiliar opposition in Africa provided valuable lessons that helped both him and his teammates grow.

"It is a good feeling. At least we got a chance to learn something new. We were used to playing against teams and players we knew, so it was a different experience playing against people you have never seen before. It gives you something different," he added.

Machaka rejoined Nairobi United midway through the 2024/25 season from FC Talanta and played a pivotal role in helping the club secure promotion from the National Super League (NSL).