'I Shed Tears'- How Ex-Shabana Boss Sabotaged Francis Baraza’s Dream Move to Yanga SC

How former Shabana chairman John Matundura sabotaged Francis Baraza's dream move to Tanzanian giants Yanga.

Kakamega Homeboyz head coach Francis Baraza has opened up about the most painful moment of his playing career, recalling how a potential move to Tanzanian giants Yanga SC was cruelly derailed by boardroom politics and betrayal from someone he once trusted.

Baraza, who hung up his boots in 2005 before moving into coaching in 2006—winning the FKF Premier League title with Sony Sugar in his debut season as a tactician—revealed that his dream of playing abroad was shattered in 2000 due to foul play by former Shabana chairman Joseph Matundura.

Baraza’s football journey began in 1991 with Nakuru-based Transcom FC at a time when playing the game was more about passion than profit.

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 In 1993, he joined Rivatex FC in Eldoret, where his leadership qualities and consistent performances saw him named captain. He led the side to Moi Golden Cup glory in 1995.

That success earned him a move to AFC Leopards in 1996. Again, he swiftly became team captain and guided the Leopards to the 1997 domestic cup title, as well as a top finish in the East and Central African Club Championship.

In 1999, Baraza signed for Shabana FC. “I had signed for the club alongside the late Peter Kakonge, Bernard Kitolo, and Vincent Tendwa from AFC Leopards, while the rest came from different clubs,” he explained in an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports.

 Despite financial challenges, Baraza helped Shabana finish second in the Premier League behind Tusker, proving his worth and leadership once again.

Rejecting Tusker to Prove Himself

At the time, Baraza was recovering from a leg fracture. Though Tusker FC—then under the tutelage of Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee—expressed strong interest in signing him, he opted to stay with Shabana to prove he had fully recovered. 

"I did not have [a contract] with Shabana. The late Matundura was still the chairman because we had a gentleman’s agreement. The team was not doing well," Baraza recalled.

He added, “They were not paying me well, but I wanted to stay with them until Yanga approached me.”

Just as the Tanzanian giants Yanga came calling, what should have been the high point of Baraza's career turned into heartbreak.

“I left the side in a good position so they could go play continentally. I even recommended they sign my brother,” Baraza said. 

“But upon going there, I was sabotaged. They had forged my contracts and even wrote my signature down. It was a sabotage. I shed tears because the deal was completed, and all I was waiting for was a releasing letter from Shabana.”

The deception cut deep. “I got there only to be told I was still under contract with Shabana. It broke my heart. Then Yanga coach Raoul Shungu told me to train with the side until the end of the season. I would train with them but I was not playing, and was only staying in the hotel,” Baraza revealed.

After a year of limbo, he returned to Kenya and directly confronted Matundura. “I had played for him in good faith, but he sabotaged me,” Baraza said. “But I decided to sign for Oserian under Twahir Muhiddin.”

Choosing Forgiveness

Despite the betrayal, Baraza chose the path of forgiveness. “I forgave them because they say you have to forgive someone before the sun sets. They are still my friends. We still talk to each other today and I still give them my recommendations on signings, coaches and more to date.”

Today, Baraza is one of the most respected coaches in East African football, having managed teams like Sony Sugar, Chemelil Sugar, Tusker, Kenya Police, and currently Kakamega Homeboyz. 

But the scars from that missed opportunity with Yanga SC remain a painful chapter in an otherwise illustrious career.