When Edwin Mukolwe lifted the national secondary school football title with Kakamega High School’s Green Commandoes at a packed Bukhungu Stadium in 2014, it was more than just a crowning moment in his fledgling career; it was a sign of things to come.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe pressure-filled environment, the roar of the crowd, and the immense expectation became an early baptism of fire that would shape his future in Kenya’s top-flight football.“Winning the nationals at Bukhungu with the home support was an amazing journey,” recalls Mukolwe. “It helped to prepare me for life after school. Kakamega is a big footballing school, and getting the chance to join a big club like AFC Leopards afterwards helped me build mental resilience. FC Talanta coach on Emmanuel Osoro’s influence ahead of do or die Murang’a Seal matchThat’s how I learned to handle the pressure that comes with playing for top clubs.”Indeed, Mukolwe’s journey from a schoolboy to a seasoned professional in the FKF Premier League is a story of ambition, adversity, and adaptability.After completing his studies, he signed with AFC Leopards in 2016, marking the beginning of a career that has seen him feature for Wazito FC, Kangemi All Stars, Nairobi Stima, Bidco United, and currently, Nairobi City Stars.##NAJAVA_MECA_8977562##While his path has been littered with the usual ups and downs of a football career, Mukolwe says it has been a journey of growth both on and off the pitch.“My career in the KPL has been a blessing. I’ve interacted with so many people and grown tremendously, though it hasn’t been easy,” said Mukolwe.Among his proudest moments is the 2023–2024 season, where he kept 10 clean sheets, the highest in his career. He also fondly remembers representing Kenya in South Africa at the Under-15 and Under-20 levels, as well as being named the best goalkeeper in Kenya in the junior category during the 2011 Copa Coca-Cola tournament.Abraham Dawo offers solutions to remedy Kenyan football after starting an academyThe biggest of those storms came in 2018. Then, on a six-month loan at newly promoted Wazito FC, Mukolwe suffered a serious injury – a torn meniscus. The surgery and recovery would sideline him for months.“That injury really set me back,” he admits. “It kept me out of the national team’s radar. I missed the chance to represent Kenya at the U20 tournament in Uzbekistan. But I stayed positive, kept training, and continued working towards new goals—like getting back to the national team for AFCON 2027.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8977532##It was a difficult period, both physically and mentally. After returning to Leopards briefly, he dropped down to play for Kangemi All Stars. But Mukolwe used it as a platform to regain fitness and confidence before moving to Nairobi Stima in the National Super League (NSL).In November 2020, he was back in the Premier League with Bidco United, and three years later, he joined City Stars, where he has found both consistency and form.Mukolwe is currently one of the most dependable shot-stoppers in the league, despite his team languishing on the wrong end of the league standings. Yet, he remains grounded, aware that football, especially for goalkeepers, is a position of high scrutiny.FKF responds to criticism from former CEO aspirant“The league is tough and not easy. As a goalkeeper, you need to remain calm even in your best days. When you lose your head, that’s how mistakes happen.”Off the pitch, Mukolwe has also been busy building a foundation for life after football. A graduate of the United States International University – Africa with a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business Administration, he has ventured into entrepreneurship by running a sports equipment business.“Entrepreneurship is something I enjoy. My business provides general sports merchandise and affordable, quality equipment for goalkeepers. I want to increase access so that players can perform at their best.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8977532##“When I was younger, I struggled to access quality equipment. I don’t want that for the next generation. If I can be part of making it easier for them, that’s something worth doing.”Running a business alongside a professional football career is no easy task, but Mukolwe says football has equipped him with important tools.“Football teaches you to stay calm under pressure, to delegate, and to rely on teamwork. Everyone in the field has a role, and no one does everything. It’s the same in business.”Tusker striker Ryan Ogam opens up on how failed transfer deals affected himHe started his sports merchandise business with two instalments of Ksh50,000 each and has since grown. He hopes to continue with the business as a source of his revenue even after hanging up his boots.Now at 28, Mukolwe is approaching what many see as the peak years for a goalkeeper. While he still harbours ambitions of representing Kenya at the senior level, especially with an eye on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, he is also intentional about his long-term future.He hopes to expand his business and possibly venture into coaching and mentorship, especially for upcoming goalkeepers.##NAJAVA_MECA_8977565##“I’m not old enough to advise young Kenyan footballers, but I would tell them to keep pushing. There are many talented players, but only a few opportunities. You need to stand out and be ready when the chance comes.”He also encourages young players not to ignore education, “If you can juggle both football and school, it will help you even in your career as a footballer. The skills and experiences from school are invaluable.”Mukolwe’s story is a testament to resilience and reinvention. From national high school glory to battling injury and rebuilding his career, he has remained steadfast.Kenya U20 vice captain eying European move after several offers from AFCON performanceHis journey reflects the realities of many African footballers, navigating uncertainty, adapting to setbacks, and always striving for more.
