Kenneth Muguna on How Pre-Contract Agreement With Gor Mahia in 2016 Shattered Dream Austria Move

Kenyan midfielder Kenneth Muguna has opened up on how signing a pre-contract with Gor Mahia in 2016 ended his hopes of moving to Austria — a dream he had hoped would launch his career into Europe.

Muguna’s breakthrough came during an exceptional 2016 season with Western Stima, where his consistent performances earned him the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Most Valuable Player award alongside other accolades. 

His rise attracted interest from multiple clubs, including Austrian sides, Icelandic clubs, Zambia’s Zanaco, and eventually Gor Mahia, who secured his signature.

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“I received an offer from Austria, Iceland, Zanaco in Zambia, and Gor Mahia,” Muguna revealed on the Dugout254 podcast.

“The Austria one did not go through because of visa issues and also because I had already signed an agreement with Gor Mahia. They were a good team, well stacked, and had won the KPL before. It was a good opportunity to express myself for a bigger move.”

Despite the European opportunity, Muguna said his desire to win the KPL influenced his decision. “I also wanted to win the KPL, which I had not done,” he said. “I had promised to sign for Gor Mahia, but if a better opportunity arose, I would have moved on.”

Gor Mahia’s management was persistent, with the CEO and Technical Director personally engaging Muguna for two weeks to convince him.

 The player also developed a strong relationship with then-head coach Jose Marcello Fereirra  “Ze Maria”, who promised him a future European move after a year at the club. However, Muguna eventually chose not to continue with Gor Mahia beyond that point.

“I remember the CEO and Technical Director came to see me for like two weeks. I had already formed a good relationship with Ze Maria, who convinced me to stay for a year, promising to give me a European opportunity after. In the end, I chose not to continue,” he explained.

When asked about the pressure of playing for one of Kenya’s biggest clubs, Muguna said he never felt overwhelmed. “I was eager to play for them and felt I wanted to play for that club,” he stated. “I wanted the challenge of that next level. I joined as the country’s best player and made sure I concentrated. Once the first match was okay, I was certain all would be well.”

Muguna later pursued a move to Europe with Albanian side AS Tirana in 2018 but faced further hurdles. Reflecting on the move, he admitted, “When the opportunity came, I took it, but I was ignorant. I never used to take my health seriously.”

He revealed that he had sustained a quadriceps injury late in the 2017 season but continued playing, which compromised his fitness before moving abroad. “I had not finalised my move before the season ended. We had already won the league, and the remaining games were a formality. In hindsight, I should never have played those games because I suffered a quad tear.”

Without proper rehab and medical checks, Muguna carried the injury to Tirana, affecting his performance and playing time. “When I signed, there was still a small percentage, but the lack of continuity made them tired of me.”

Muguna would go on to return to Gor Mahia, where he won two more league titles, before moving to Azam FC in 2021, and later Kenya Police, who he won yet another title with before joining current club Township Rovers in Botswana.