Mohammed Bajaber, the talented Harambee Stars attacker, has recently been receiving attention from clubs abroad due to his impressive performances at Kenya Police FC. Since joining the FKF Premier League leaders in February, Bajaber has quickly established himself as a key player, scoring four goals in just five matches. His performances for the national team during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Gabon further elevated his profile, with his goal against The Gambia and subsequent starting role against Gabon showcasing his potential on the international stage.
At just 22 years old, Bajaber has already become one of the most talked-about Kenyan players, and speculation about his future continues to grow. If he decides to make the leap to European football, he has been advised to follow a path similar to that of other successful Kenyan players who have made their mark abroad. According to Robert Muthomi, the director of Star Field Elite Academy, where Bajaber honed his skills, it would be wise for him to avoid the pressure of joining a top-tier European club too soon. Instead, Muthomi recommends that Bajaber should initially move to a smaller, less high-pressure league, where he can gradually adapt to European football.
Muthomi suggests that countries like Sweden, Belgium, and Norway offer great opportunities for young African talents like Bajaber to settle in and make their mark before making a jump to bigger leagues. Historically, Kenyan players like Victor Wanyama, McDonald Mariga, and Erick Marcelo Ouma have thrived in Sweden and other similar countries, where the expectations are more manageable and the focus is on development. Starting in such leagues allows players to gain experience, learn the nuances of European football, and build their confidence, all of which are crucial before moving on to the more intense demands of larger leagues like the English Premier League, Serie A, or the Bundesliga.
For Bajaber, Sweden is particularly appealing. The country has been a nurturing ground for many Kenyan players, with its relatively less intense pressure compared to the top-five leagues. Muthomi believes that moving to a country like Sweden would allow Bajaber the time and space to acclimatize to European football and develop his game without the overwhelming expectations that often come with joining major clubs in countries like England or Italy.
Belgium also emerges as a good option for Bajaber. While the Belgian league is considered one of the top leagues in Europe, it still provides a more balanced environment for young talents to grow. Like Sweden, Belgium offers a stepping stone for players to establish themselves before attempting to join more prominent teams in higher-profile leagues. Countries like Denmark, which is also known for giving young players time to develop, could also provide Bajaber with the ideal environment to refine his skills.
While Tanzanian clubs like Yanga and Azam have shown interest in Bajaber, it seems that his preference is to move to Europe should he leave Kenya Police. His ability to adapt quickly to new challenges, as seen in his rapid rise at Kenya Police and his strong performances for the national team, suggests that he could thrive in a European environment, particularly in the countries advised by Muthomi.
As Bajaber weighs his options, it is clear that his future is bright, and with the right move, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of successful Kenyan players who have made their mark in Europe. His next step will be crucial in shaping his career, and the advice to start in a less pressurized league will likely be key to his long-term success on the continent.
