Three Kenyan Players Earn Dream Moves to MLS

Just before the dust could settle after the United States swore in their 46th President Joe Biden, three Kenyans realised their American dream following a draft that saw them earn moves to different Major League Soccer (MLS) teams.

Like Biden’s inauguration that had millions around the globe glued to their screen and a star-studded guest list such as Hillary Clinton, Barack and Michele Obama, the MLS Super draft also attacked thousands and featured the most sought after youngsters.

Thousands of football fans around the globe also took a keen interest in the draft with Kenyans also staking a claim to the annual event as three of their own in the name of Philip Mayaka, Nabilai Kibunguchy and Leroy Enzugusi were included in the draft.

For those not familiar with American sports and their league structure, the draft is an annual college event for teams of the MLS in the United States and Canada and usually takes place in January where a chance is presented by teams to select players who have graduated from college or otherwise been signed by the league.

The draft is divided into four rounds in which each club has a selection, the order of which is determined by a combination of the teams' playoff and regular season positions, with the last placed team getting the first pick.

Of the three Kenyan players, Mayaka’s journey from Kenya to the pinnacle of US football is the most striking as it started on the dusty fields in Dagoretti, Nairobi where he would dedicate most of his time with the hope of trading the desolate grounds for the well-manicured lush green pitches.

“People see them like dust fields, but to us, we see them as a bridge – a bridge to cross to another level. Because we don't have any other resources to use, especially if you're from the slums … those fields, it was like a bridge to where I am today,” explained Mayaka to MLSsoccer.com days before his draft pick.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Joash Olwaga who was Mayaka’s teammate at Kibera Eagan where the defensive midfielder started his journey spotted the new Colorado Rapids player's raw talent and knew he would one-day rub shoulders with some of the big players in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) but harboured little hopes of him making it abroad.

“Mayaka was a very professional player when we played in Laini Saba grounds back then. He conducted as a professional even in his early stages of Football. And because of the professionalism, he was showing, I thought he was among the few who were going to make it to the Kenyan top flight. I didn't think he'd be higher than the KPL but again I am not surprised,” he explained.

The big breakthrough for the Mayaka came during a friendly match which was graced by Mike Potempa, a former La Galaxy player who now runs an academy dubbed Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (Potempa) in Orlando, Florida.

“My mission is to provide education to help these kids prepare for life as all too often, football is the only focus due to families in the developing world in poverty and needing money and food to survive. I have working relationships with people in countries all over the world who believe with me that education is the most important,” said Potema.

After an exceptional performance in a friendly match against Laini Saba FC back in 2016, Potempa could not resist taking Mayaka, Kelvin Mulinya and Diogenes Kinyua with him back to Orlando to further develop their football careers.

Mayaka was not only making headlines for Eagan as he was crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after his school St. Anthony's Kitale emerged champions of the 2016 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) tournament after beating Dagoretti High School 5-4 on post-match penalties.

Olwaga who played with the trio back at Eagan also reserved some praise for Mulinya and Kinyua who are now undergraduate students and footballers at the Appalachian State University in the USA - likening them to former Barcelona midfielder Xavi and Argentine captain Messi.

“Dion (Kinyua) was the Xavi of the team - very good on the ball and a very good passer. Kevin also known as Messi, used to play wideout the pitch, loved dribbling past people for fun but is also a good player," Owaga said,

“Mayaka and Dion almost have the same style of play just that Mayaka is more of a dribbling midfielder while Dion is more of a passer. Kelvin was also a good player but he comes third after the two though. I did not play much with him but he was good because I watched him play a lot,” added the recent Daystar University graduate who still has a dream of pursuing football.

The trio finally travelled to the US in 2017 after securing a visa but had to contend with the challenges of adapting to a whole different culture having come from humble backgrounds in the slums, with Makaya coming out worse.

“It was my first time boarding a plane. And the first time I came to the US, I wasn't familiar with the food around here. I used to eat only rice because that's what is in Kenya.I kind of forced myself to eat the food, just trying anything. If I didn't like it, I’d just get a bite, and tomorrow I'd try again because that was the only food that was being provided. I wanted to try the U.S. food because I knew I was going to be here for so long,” noted Mayaka.

Gor Mahia midfielder Nicholas Omondi is also full of praise for the trio.

“All the three who moved to the US from Kibera Eagan will all play in a bigger league in the next two years because they all have different capabilities which are all incredible. They are equal to the task, going to the States was their biggest dream just like any ambitious footballer,” said Omondi.

Omondi adds that the Makaya, Mulinya and Kinyua displayed a high level of passion whenever they crossed the white line and got into the pitch and hopes that one day he could also follow them to play football outside the country.

The Gor Mahia midfielder hopes that they can secure greater deals and wished them all the best as they embarked on their new journey.

With Potempa having had a knack of developing young players into stars with current MLS players Andre Shinyashiki, Mohamed Traore and Benji Michel perfect examples, Mayaka finally set his foot on the ground and graduated from SIMA to Clemson University.

At the institution, he united with coach Mike Noonan who had Robbie Robinson, Andrew Tarbell and Amadou Dia pass through his hands before landing to the MLS and despite Mayaka securing a Generation Adidas contract offer after his freshman campaign in 2019 he chose to complete his studies before being included in the draft.

Kibunguchy who was also included in the draft from UC Davis was named to the All-Big West Conference First Team in 2019 was picked by Minnesota United with the head coach Adrian Heath heaping praise on him after the pick.

“Nabi is a top-10 talent in this draft. When we realized he was still available we immediately made a trade to select him. 

“He’s a gifted and versatile player who can play in the centre of the defence or as a number six role. We can’t wait to get him here to Minnesota to continue his development and let him learn alongside his teammates and coaches,” said Heath.

Kenyan forward Leroy Enzugusi joined compatriot Handwalla Bwana in the 2021 SuperDraft class after a standout career at Drake University. 

In three seasons, he scored 21 goals including back-to-back eight-goal seasons. In total Enzugusi appeared in 52 matches and earned All-MVC First Team in both of his final seasons.

The three Kenyans will join Victor Wanyama who turns out for Montreal Impact in the MLS with another Kenyan Lawrence Olum having played in the league for Sporting Kansas, Portland Timbers and Minnesota United.

Other Kenyans playing football in the US include Tobias Otieno who turns out for Union Omaha in United Soccer League (USL) League One and while experienced striker Justin Dhillon who is born to a Kenyan father and American mother, currently plays for San Antonio FC in USL Championship.