Harambee Stars prospect signs with German fourth-tier club
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 11.07.26. | 11:00
The 26-year-old has represented Germany at U18 level, but still eligible to feature for Kenya
Kenyan international defender Tobias Knost has completed a move to German Regionalliga side Bonner SC, bringing an end to his four-year spell with German 3. Liga side SC Verl.
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Bonner SC confirmed the arrival of the versatile defender through a statement on the club's official website, describing him as an experienced addition, who will bolster the squad ahead of the 2026/27 Regionalliga (fourth-tier) campaign.
"Bonner SC have strengthened their squad with the signing of Tobias Knost. The versatile defender joins the club from SC Verl and arrives at Sportpark Nord with valuable experience gained from numerous appearances in Germany's 3. Liga.
"A warm welcome to the Rheinlöwen, Tobias! We look forward to an exciting journey together in blue and red," the club said in a statement.
The 26-year-old is expected to strengthen Bonner SC's right-back position, as the Rheinlöwen target a strong campaign and aim to secure their Regionalliga status as early as possible.
Knost leaves SC Verl after four seasons, during which he continued his development in one of Germany's most competitive divisions.
His consistent performances and versatility across the backline made him a valuable member of the squad, earning him regular minutes in the 3. Liga.
A product of German football, Knost began his youth career at SV Adler Berlin, before progressing through Lichterfelder FC and Tennis Borussia Berlin.
His performances earned him a move to Bundesliga side Hamburger SV's academy in 2014, where he completed his football education and developed into one of the club's promising defenders.
He later featured for Hamburger SV II, before making his senior competitive debut for Hamburg's first team in the DFB-Pokal.
In 2021, he joined 1. FC Magdeburg, and was part of the squad that won the 2021/22 3. Liga title to secure promotion to the 2. Bundesliga.
A year later, he signed for SC Verl, where he spent four seasons, and made more than 60 appearances before sealing his switch to Bonner SC.
At international level, Knost represented Germany at Under-18 level, before becoming eligible to play for Kenya through his mother's heritage.
He earned his maiden Harambee Stars call-up in 2024 under the late Engin Firat, but was unable to make his senior debut after paperwork-related issues prevented his inclusion in the matchday squad.
Speaking after completing the move, Knost said Bonner SC's ambitions convinced him to embrace the new challenge.
"An exciting and appealing challenge awaits me in Bonn. Discussions with the club officials quickly convinced me that the club has ambitious goals, and that I can contribute to achieving them. Together with my new teammates, we want to have a successful season and secure our place in the league as early as possible. I will contribute my experience and give my all for Bonner SC in every match," he said.
Born to a German father and a Kenyan mother, Knost holds dual German and Kenyan citizenship.
As he embarks on a new chapter at Sportpark Nord, the defender will be looking to use his experience to help Bonner SC achieve their objectives, while also keeping alive his ambition of finally making his long-awaited senior debut for Harambee Stars ahead of 2027 AFCON.