How Sofapaka’s Kilume almost quit football

In his desperate search for a better life, newly appointed Sofapaka assistant captain Mohamed Kilume almost quit football. However, fate harshly taught him his better life was in the very same thing he was running away from - football.

Born in the slums of Majengo, Nairobi, the 23-year-old midfielder, in an interview on the club’s website, reveals he wanted the quickest way to a better life. Having started out his footballing journey at four different estate-based teams that did not offer any much hope in terms of finances according to him, the player decided to call it quits in order to focus on other income-generating ventures.

“I wanted a good life and had hoped my talent would help me get a breakthrough. Sadly, this wasn’t the case neither was it forthcoming. This got me frustrated and I decided to quit football, I shifted focus on other handy jobs to at least get some income,” the player is quoted.

Kilume reveals that it is after watching some of his then former teammates progressing to the next stages of their career that he had an epiphany that drew him back to what he was willing to let go of. 

“After a while, I started noticing my former teammates making strides in the lower league and top tier leagues. They were beginning to make a living out of it and this made me think to myself that maybe I wasn’t able to make it because of my small body size. But then after all the thinking done, I changed my perception and decided to struggle my way back, humblingly, but so determined and focused to make it through. A return to Kakakuona FC –one of those estate teams - was the restart of it all. Later, I joined Sofapaka Youth before the ultimate breakthrough to the senior team,” he said.

Since rising from the ranks and breaking through to the senior team, Kilume went on to be named as the club’s assistant captain back in February. Even though he was surprised, the midfielder feels all that achievement is due to his growth and resilience in the game he almost quit.

“When I was appointed it came as surprise but I took it positively because being appointed to lead means a calling. It’s truly an honour and privilege to serve such a big club in such a position. Certain appointments are never done for the sake, my new capacity shows my growth in the game and leadership capability,” he concluded.