Bandari central defender Shariff Majabe has shared how Harambee Stars assistant captain and Stade Reims defender Joseph Okumu has played a key role in shaping his football career.Majabe first connected with the former Chemelil Youth defender through his agent, Omar Masika, who is also part of Okumu’s representation team.Fresh out of Laiser Hill School, the towering defender joined The Elite Group, a football initiative set up in Kenya with support from Okumu and Masika to identify young talents.##NAJAVA_MECA_8456968##This program led to his entry into Mombasa Elite, a team that participated in the Kenya National Super League for two seasons.“Omar used to send me links to Okumu’s games,” Majabe said. “Watching him continuously made me fall in love with his playing style.””Okumu has inspired me,” he told Mozzart Sport. “I feel we have the same style of play. He’s my godfather in football, and I’m just waiting for my time.”How Ibrahim Wanzala utilised Kenya Under-20 bonuses to improve his family’s fortunesIn his early days, Majabe resorted to restricted sites to watch Okumu play.His dream of sharing a dressing room with Okumu came true on September 1 when he received a call-up to the national team, Harambee Stars, to replace Collins Shichenje in the AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia.Okumu welcomed him with advice on how to go professional.”Okumu was happy to see me on the national team,” Majabe said.”He told me that if I want to go pro, I have to work twice as hard as others. As an African, people expect you to do double, so you have to push yourself every day to reach the top.”Harambee Starlets cap off Pink Ladies Tournament with emphatic victory over PhilippinesMajabe added, “Okumu wants the best for us. He’s been very supportive. Even the boots I’m using now are from him, and he’s always in touch to make sure I’m doing well.”Majabe believes that sharing an agent with Okumu has strengthened his hope of making it abroad.Lessons Learned from Genk TrialsMajabe was among the first group from Mombasa Elite invited to trials with Belgian side Genk, organized by Elite Group in West Africa. Then 17, Majabe could not join the team due to visa issues but gained valuable insights.”With European scouts, you need to be mentally tough and ready for serious football,” he explained.“You also need to work harder than anyone else. I ticked all the boxes, but visa issues kept me from securing the move.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8459853##Since the Genk setback, Majabe has faced challenges in securing opportunities abroad.In August 2024, his agent arranged a move to an Italian fourth-tier club, but issues with the visa process prevented the transfer.Engin Firat’s Advice in the Harambee Stars CampThe appointment of Ken Odhiambo as Bandari’s coach before the new season became a turning point for Majabe.Previously playing as a midfielder, Majabe returned to his natural defensive position under Odhiambo.His calmness on the ball caught Odhiambo’s eye, leading to a recommendation to national team coach Engin Firat.“Coach Firat was impressed by my toughness,” Majabe said. “He told me that’s what he looks for in a defender and encouraged me to keep working hard because he sees a bright future for me.”SamWest Blackboots’ ambitious plan to construct an environmentally friendly stadiumMajabe believes that if not for an illness before the African Championship qualifiers (CHAN), he could have made the final squad and even secured a starting role.For now, the former Muslim Boys High School defender focuses on hitting top form and a return to the national team as he maps a plan to become a pro.
