Kenyan international goalkeeper Ian Otieno has joined South African Premier Soccer League side Richards Bay FC from Zambia’s Zesco United.Will he be among the rare breed of Kenyan players who have had successful careers down South? South Africa has not been a particularly favourable hunting ground for Kenyan players, with only Musa Otieno and Brian Mandela seemingly making a mark among the pool of Kenyans who have ventured there.##NAJAVA_MECA_8241290##Mozzart Sport examines 10 Kenyan players who have tried to build a football career in South Africa and how they have performed.CLIFTON MIHESOThe AFC Leopards captain joined South African side Golden Arrows in July 2016 ahead of the 2016/17 season and made his debut on August 24, 2016, in their 3-1 loss to Kaizer Chiefs.However, he struggled to adapt thereafter and had a controversial exit six months later, with allegations that he was forced to sign his termination letter at gunpoint. He released a statement dismissing these allegations and later joined Zambian side Buildcon FC in March 2017. JOSEPH OKUMUOkumu, who plays for Reims FC in the French top tier, moved to Free State Stars in 2016 but managed only seven appearances before leaving after one season.He later disclosed that it was a difficult period for him, during which he experienced depression and underwent counseling sessions organized by his family.Brian Michira pledges improved performance after getting new dealOVELLA OCHIENGThe former Kariobangi Sharks winger signed for two South African sides, Marumo Gallants and Richards Bay, at different times but didn’t achieve much success.At Marumo Gallants, he left unceremoniously in January 2022, barely six months after joining the club and without making a single competitive appearance. He later sued the club for wrongful dismissal and won, with the club ordered to pay him Ksh. 2,911,000 in August 2022.After leaving Gallants, he joined Richards Bay in December 2022 but left in June 2023 after making only eight appearances.SVEN YIDAHSigned for Marumo Gallants in August 2022 from Nairobi City Stars, Yidah left in June 2023 after spending just one season with the club, which was relegated.Poor performance and fan unpopularity prompt Mombasa Elite’s rebranding to Modern Coast RangersMASOUD JUMAIn July 2017, while turning out for Kariobangi Sharks, Juma trained with Bidvest Wits but was not signed. In January 2018, he signed for Cape Town City but left in September 2018 with little impact.KEVIN “ADE” OMONDIOmondi joined Moroka Swallows in 2014 but left after just four months without making any appearances, despite signing a two-year deal. He failed to obtain a work permit and had to return home.MICHAEL OLUNGAThe Kenyan national team captain went to South Africa for trials with Bidvest Wits in 2015 during his time at Gor Mahia, but the deal didn’t materialize. This was a blessing in disguise, as he later joined Swedish side Djurgårdens, where he achieved notable success.Tusker hands assistant captain Michael Kibwage new dealANTHONY TEDDY AKUMUThe former Gor Mahia midfielder joined South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in January 2020 from Zesco United on a 3.5-year deal. Although he played a considerable number of matches during his stay, he faced significant criticism from fans and left in July 2022, a year before his contract ended. The club had put him on the market and invited bids a month earlier, but both parties mutually agreed to terminate the contract.BRIAN “NIANG” MANDELAMandela is one of the few success stories of Kenyan footballers in South Africa. Since moving to Santos FC from Tusker FC in 2012, he has excelled in the country and has been there for 12 years.From 2012-2015, he played for Santos and made 48 appearances. From 2015 to 2019, he played for Maritzburg United, making over 80 appearances before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2020. He stayed at Sundowns until early this month, leaving after winning four consecutive DStv Premier League titles.MUSA OTIENOThe former Harambee Stars captain found a haven in South Africa, a place he called home for over a decade. Musa joined Santos FC in 1997 and left in 2011, with three of his last years spent on loan at Cleveland City Stars in the US.In total, he made 311 appearances and won the PSL title in 2001/02, the Bob Save Super Bowl in 2001, the BP Top 8 in 2002, and the ABSA Cup in 2003.Will Ian Otieno be part of the rare breed that succeeds in the PSL, or will he join the list of Kenyan players who haven’t made much of an impact? Only time will tell. We wish him the best.Ongwae sets sights on FKF Premier League promotion with Samwest Blackboots
