Nairobi City Stars defender Steve Bulugu is determined to prove himself in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) and earn a spot in the Tanzania national team, Taifa Stars, in the coming year.Bulugu, now a familiar face in Kenyan football, made his FKF Premier League debut with Muhoroni Youth FC in 2022. He made the leap to Nairobi City Stars during the 2024 off-season transfer window, a period when he had considered leaving football altogether.##NAJAVA_MECA_8492826##Now settled at City Stars, the young defender believes the club provides the ideal environment for him to excel and ultimately represent his home country, Tanzania, at the international level.“Before I signed with City Stars, I was in a difficult place. I had faced many frustrations with football, and I was considering quitting and going home to start farming,” Bulugu shared with Mozzart Sport.“But now I have a chance. I am determined to keep pushing. The club’s CEO believed in me, despite the challenges during the transfer, and I want to repay him by giving my best performance, one that will secure me a spot in the Taifa Stars squad.”No Room for Complacency, warns Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees ahead of Kenya clashComing from a single-parent household, Bulugu credits his mother’s unwavering support as his driving force throughout his football journey. He hopes to make her proud by wearing the iconic Taifa Stars jersey.“My mother has been my pillar. Every time I felt like giving up, she encouraged me to rise again. I want to play for the national team to make her proud. That will be the greatest reward for all the sacrifices she has made to get me here,” he said.Now fully focused on his career with Simba Wa Nairobi, Bulugu has secured a place in Coach Leonard Odipo’s starting lineup. After missing the first six rounds due to a minor injury, he made his debut for City Stars on matchday eight against Gor Mahia in Machakos on October 28.“It was a happy moment for me. The win against Gor Mahia (2-1) was crucial for us,” Bulugu reflected.“It was the turning point we needed to end our winless run. We came from behind after a 1-0 deficit, and I want to thank God for the victory. It was a big game with a lot of pressure, but we worked hard, and the coach’s encouragement played a big part in our success.”Stephen Bulugu Starts 🇹🇿MATCH itakua Live Azam Sports 4 📺 https://t.co/d6COCMTch2— Tanzania Footballers Abroad 🇹🇿 (@TzFootballers) November 3, 2024 Bulugu also featured in City Stars’ 1-0 victory over Shabana at Gusii Stadium, with Mohammed Ali scoring the winning goal.With back-to-back wins under their belt, the defender is confident about the team’s prospects.Exclusive: AFC Leopards in potential legal dispute with Singapore kit maker over payment delays“We have a strong squad, and I believe we will do well in the upcoming games,” Bulugu added. “We’re building momentum, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”As Bulugu continues to impress at City Stars, he remains focused on his ultimate goal—securing a place in Tanzania’s national team and making his mother proud by representing the Taifa Stars.
