Harambee Stars and Bandari FC striker Beja Nyamawi has revealed that the absence of medical insurance was the deal-breaker in a potential move to 12-time Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) champions AFC Leopards.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsNyamawi, one of the most in-demand strikers during the 2023 off-season transfer window, had emerged as a hot prospect after netting 20 goals for Assad in the National Super League (NSL), a tally that earned him the league’s Golden Boot.His exploits drew interest from top-flight sides, including AFC Leopards, Azam, Kariobangi Sharks, Ulinzi Stars, and Bandari.##NAJAVA_MECA_9012333##However, the race eventually narrowed down to just two clubs, Bandari and Leopards, with both sides keen to secure the services of the promising forward.Leopards appeared poised to land Nyamawi following a series of positive talks.The club viewed him as the ideal reinforcement for their attack, impressed by his meteoric rise from village tournaments to NSL stardom.Boost for Bandari as top scorer signs new contractHowever, a critical issue in the contract halted the deal.“I was set to join AFC Leopards and even had discussions with their top officials,” Beja told Mozzart Sport.“But they weren’t offering medical insurance. My agent felt it was too risky. He asked, ‘What happens if you get injured?’ That was a major red flag.”According to the player, the club informed his representative that in case of injury, the agent would be responsible for medical expenses.##NAJAVA_MECA_9013531##That revelation prompted Nyamawi’s camp to walk away from the deal.“When we spoke to Bandari, they included medical cover in their offer. That made all the difference, and I signed with them,” he explained.Nicknamed Lampard for his style of play, Beja has since settled in well at the coast-based club despite battling injuries during his first season.In March this year, he extended his stay at Bandari with a new two-year contract, effectively fending off fresh interest from both local clubs and foreign suitors.Nyamawi’s journey to the top is far from conventional.FKF boss clears air on Harambee Stars selectionUnknown in many football circles just two years ago, he burst onto the national scene during the 2022/23 season without any background in lower-tier or regional leagues.His breakthrough came in a dusty village tournament on the outskirts of Lungalunga while turning out for his boyhood club, Menzamwenye Stars.Assad CEO Shukran Kuzi, tipped off about a “goal machine” tormenting defenders in the tournament, dispatched technical staff to scout the striker.He was signed during the mid-season window and debuted against Zoo FC, then still in the NSL before their relegation.
