Ujuzisoka begin to reap from investing in youngsters

Ujuzisoka player during a past international tournament in Spain. [PHOTO:COURTESY]

In a short span of time since being formed, Ujuzisoka Academy are reaping the fruits of investing in young players.

The academy boasts of at least four players currently featuring for various European sides. 

The biggest name to come out of the academy is no doubt Harambee Stars midfielder Ayub Timbe.

Timbe was in the Academy from 2005 to 2007 before being snapped up by JMJ Academy who took him to Belgium where he spent time at the Andelecht Academy.

After one year, Timbe signed a professional contract with Genk of Belgium and is currently on loan at another top Belgian side, Lierse.

After Victor Wanyama’s move to the English Premier League side, Tony Nyaoga, another Ujuzisoka graduate, could just be the second Kenyan to play in the Premier League.

He spent his formative years at the Parklands-based Academy between 2006 and 2011 and is currently at the Bolton Wanderers Academy in Britain where he is also undergoing his studies.

While at Ujuzisoka, the young Nyaoga took part in the Gothia Cup twice as well as the Costa Daurada tournament and was picked to go to Bolton after impressing scouts who visited Nairobi two years ago.

Then there is Luis Misiko who was at Ujuzi for four years from 2006 to 2010. He then moved to JMJ Academy and is currently playing for the youth team of French Ligue One side Nice. Dalvin Bangura, another graduate from the academy, currently plays for Athletic Football Club in Sweden while Cwa Rugumayu joined AC Bethesda in Birmingham, USA.

According to Ujuzisoka Academy director Paul Olungae, the success has come as a result of exposing their players to various international tournaments.

Among the tournaments that Ujuzisoka has taken part in include Gothia World Youth Cup in Sweden, Mundialito Children World Cup in Portugal, Dana Cup in Denmark, Madrid Cup in Spain and Costa Daurada Cup in Salou, Spain.