Reformed Kenyan street boy completes move to Belarusian club after transfer saga

© Dynamo-Brest

FOOTBALL Reformed Kenyan street boy completes move to Belarusian club after transfer saga

Imran Otieno • 10:13 - 08.08.2023

The midfielder roamed the streets of Nyahururu, Nakuru, and Nairobi after fleeing the bandit-infested area of Baragoi due to the rampant cattle rustling.

Following a month-long transfer saga that involved a legal battle, Kenyan midfielder Josphat Lopaga has penned an 18-month deal with Belarusian outfit Dynamo-Brest.

The former Gor Mahia Youth midfielder had signed for Omani club Dhofar Club back in January as he completed the move alongside another former K’Ogalo defender Alphonce Omija.

Brest were delighted to complete the deal following a transfer saga that involved Lopaga’s former club after impressing during trials with the Belarusian club.

“Dynamo-Brest Football Club is pleased to announce the official beginning of cooperation with forward Josphat Lopaga. A 20-year-old Kenyan player has signed a contract intended for a year and a half - until the end of the 2024 season.

“Initially, Josphat arrived for the viewing and convinced the coaching staff quickly of his strength, however, the transfer took almost a month. Legal issues related to delays from the Oman Championship by his previous club Dhofar Club.

“Now that all the paper issues are settled, the newcomer has officially joined the team, where in addition to training, he played two friendly matches. He once excelled in sparring with a double "Dinamo-Brest" and the youth team "Zenita",” read a statement from Brest.

Lopaga, a former street boy, has risen from the pits to curve out a path to professional football after turning out for Gor Mahia Youth, Posta Rangers and AFC Leopards.

The transfer also caught the eye of former Gor Mahia defender Frank Odhiambo who currently plies his trade in Sweden for Vasalunds on loan from Djurgårdens.

“And such is all we strive for, just a chance to make our families a better living from the streets back home to such amazing milestones.

“You are a motivation to some of the talented street kids back home. Keep on striving, your story is my motivation always. Good luck big man, you know how we do this. Make it count,” posted Frank on his Insta Story.

Lopaga roamed the streets of Nyahururu, Nakuru and Nairobi after fleeing the bandit-infested area of Baragoi due to the rampant cattle rustling.

His big break in the sport came after City Stadium Homeless Youth Rehabilitation Centre through former AFC Leopards goalkeepers’ trainer Alex Mwangi introduced him to the beautiful game.

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