Kenya’s Midfield Gem: Bajaber’s Breakout Draws Praise and Ambition for the Future
Khaled Hegazy
Dailysports's expert
Mohammed Bajaber, who received a lot of plaudits for his outstanding exploits in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, has swiftly become a ray of hope for Kenyan football.
McCarthy Applauds Bajaber’s Mentality
The Kenya Police FC midfielder made an instant impact, scoring a spectacular debut goal against The Gambia and impressing again in the narrow 2-1 loss to Gabon. However, it was his ambition and mindset that caught the eye of head coach Benni McCarthy.
Speaking to NTV, McCarthy revealed:
“He told me, ‘Coach, I’m going to play in Europe.’ That’s my kind of player — ambitious, fearless, and focused.”
A Future Leader in the Making?
Robert Muthomi, the director of the Star Field Elite Academy, praised Bajaber's discipline and leadership, describing him as "a player you can depend on" and a potential future captain of the Harambee Stars. However, he emphasized that "consistency and hard work" are crucial to maintaining his spot on the national squad.
Youth Revolution Underway
Former FKF official Tom Alila echoed the sentiment, encouraging coach McCarthy to invest in local talent ahead of CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027.
“CHAN is the right platform for young players like Bajaber. We must scout locally to build the next generation.”
Kenya’s football future may well be taking shape — and Mohammed Bajaber could be at its heart.
