Gor Mahia's Shariff Musa honours bet with brother 9 months after passing on
.png)
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 17.06.26. | 13:42
According to Musa, the journey began before the start of the season when he struck a unique deal with Salim, who had been battling addiction
Gor Mahia forward Shariff Musa has opened up on the deeply personal battle that fuelled his remarkable 2025/26 FKF Premier League campaign, revealing that every goal, assist and celebration was driven by a promise he made to his late brother, Salim Musa.
Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news
In an emotional tribute shared on his Facebook page, the Harambee Stars attacker recounted the heartbreaking story behind his most successful season to date, explaining how the league title and winners' medal were dedicated to a brother whose encouragement and support remained with him even after his death.
According to Musa, the journey began before the start of the season when he struck a unique deal with Salim, who had been battling addiction. The winger revealed that his brother promised to quit his addiction if Musa managed to win the FKF Premier League title and bring home a winners' medal.
What initially seemed like a simple challenge soon took on a much deeper meaning.
"Before the season started, I had a bet with my brother Salim. He told me, 'Bring me a winner's league medal, then I will quit my addiction.' I embraced the challenge because I wanted to see the best version of my brother," Musa wrote.
However, tragedy struck before the league campaign had even kicked off. As Gor Mahia prepared for a pre-season friendly against Tanzanian giants Simba SC in Tanzania, Salim passed away after spending seven difficult months in hospital.
Musa painfully reflected on the irony of the situation, noting that his brother had indeed fulfilled his promise—but in death.
"He stopped his addiction. He kept his word, right? But he kept his word in death," he wrote.
The former Kariobangi Sharks winger revealed that behind the smiles, celebrations and dazzling performances witnessed by fans throughout the season was a man carrying immense grief.
While supporters saw a player enjoying one of the best campaigns of his career, Musa was silently battling the pain of losing a loved one.
.jpg)
He disclosed that there were moments when criticism over his form affected him, yet few understood the emotional burden he was carrying away from the pitch.
"I buried him, and the same day I buried him, I travelled back to go and play. I didn't have the time to mourn my brother because I had a debt to clear, but I mourned him every time I stepped on that field," he stated.
Despite the personal struggles, Musa delivered one of the standout performances of the season. The pacey attacker emerged among Gor Mahia's leading scorers while also finishing as the club's top assist provider, playing a pivotal role in steering K'Ogalo to a record-extending 22nd league title.
The championship marked Musa's maiden top-flight league trophy and the biggest honour of his career so far. Yet, for the winger, the medal represented far more than sporting success.
.png)
"At the end of it all, I got him his medal. The only thing I know is that I kept my word. Salim Musa, goodbye my brother, goodbye my friend, goodbye my fan. I now let you go. Rest, Champ," he wrote.
To Shariff, the success was not merely a football achievement; it was the fulfilment of a promise, a tribute to a beloved brother.