Haniff Wesonga is now a household name in Mumias Sub County and across the country following his exploits in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) with KCB FC for nearly four years.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsHowever, less is known about the promising centre back, who has had quite a meteoric rise from lower-tier football to the summit. But he says the dream is far from over.Unlike most narrated sports stories, where family background plays a key role in one taking to a sport, Wesonga’s journey began without any such influence.##NAJAVA_MECA_9023590##He comes from a family that had nothing to do with any sport, and he had to chart his own path.Born in Eldoret and raised in the football-rich town of Mumias, Wesonga’s rise is a tale of raw ambition and a desire to rise above humble beginnings to make a name for himself on the continental stage and, hopefully, one day, in Europe.Any footballer from Western Kenya will tell you that AFC Leopards played a role in their early love for football.CHAN Chronicles: Nairobi taxi drivers eye windfall as tournament nearsWesonga was no different. A match at the Mumias Sports Complex, where Ingwe were playing, is what first captured the young defender’s heart.“I just inspired myself,” Wesonga says with quiet confidence. “I was a ball boy at Mumias Complex when Ingwe played there. I watched legends up close. That’s where the fire was lit.”That fire would guide his first steps in football at Mumias Central Primary School, where he balanced schoolwork with training at Tsunami Young Talent Academy under coach Joseph Wanga.Wesonga at Tsunami AcademyAt Tsunami, he took the school by storm and displayed talent well beyond his age at the time, and it did not take long before school scouts came calling, eager to secure his services, but he remained rooted to education.After sitting his KCPE in 2016, the youngster, who had already reached regional levels at primary school games, joined Ambira High School in 2017, which at the time was preparing to become a football powerhouse.Harambee Stars defender signs for South Sudanese sideHowever, Ambira did little to nurture his talent, and when an opportunity came to join reigning Western Region champions Musingu High School, the decision was a no-brainer.Coach Bousted Mukolwe had spotted Wesonga marshalling players beyond his age during the St. Peter Mumias Open Challenge, a tournament hosted annually by the school.“The person who took me to Musingu was Coach Bousted Mukolwe,” Wesonga says. “He spotted my potential when Tsunami played against St. Peter’s during the Opens.”Although things did not quite go according to plan at Musingu, Wesonga continued to grab the attention of scouts and coaches whenever he stepped onto the pitch.After high school in 2020, he dived into grassroots football, turning out for Umri FC and Mumias All Stars in tournaments such as the Cleo Super Cup.Wesonga at Umri FC after completing secondary school educationIt was during the off-season while playing for Samitsi FC in 2021, in preparation for the Bram Karamoja Super Cup, that his stock truly rose.He managed to contain some of the most seasoned players in the region while being watched by top coaches.Despite his diminutive stature, he impressed none other than former Harambee Starlets head coach Godfrey Oduor. A short stint followed at Samitsi FC before fate came calling again—this time in the form of coach Oduor.”Coach Mukolwe reached out to Coach Solo and asked if I could train with KCB,” he says.Kariobangi Sharks FC’s Geoffrey Onyango (L) evades KCB Football Club’s Haniff Wesonga’s sliding tackle during their Mozzart Bet Cup semi-final meeting at the Police Sacco Grounds on Sunday, May 26, 2024.📷 Samwel Ogor/ @SportPicha pic.twitter.com/IZGQiSKAoc— Samwel Ogor (@samwelogor) May 28, 2024 “I went in with nothing but hunger and hope. I had done all I could in Kakamega. I remember we faced former KPL players, and I held my own. After the match, everyone was talking about my name. I was sure what I had done was enough to open bigger doors.”That was all the 23-year-old needed to make the next leap in his career, and soon a move to KCB ensured.Under the watch of coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno, the former Mumias All Stars defender impressed the KCB technical bench and earned a one-year contract.“It was a bit harsh, to be honest, when I got there,” he admits. “But I was happy to work under coach Zico. After a couple of training sessions, he was impressed and handed me my first professional contract.”Wesonga at KCB##NAJAVA_MECA_9025296##His first season was a breakthrough, earning him a two-year contract extension. Life at KCB, he says, was made easier by teammate Brian ‘Rio’ Ochieng and the continued mentorship from coach Solo.“In KCB, life was okay. Brian Ochieng made everything easier for me. And coach Solo kept checking in and offering guidance to make sure I didn’t lose my way. I have to admit, at that stage, it was tough being in a new league. Solo inspired me. He’s the one who brought me to the KPL,” Wesonga says.His rise in the ranks in top-flight football did not go unnoticed.Mulee speak on Harambee Stars’ technical bench requirements for guarantee successIn November 2023, he earned his first national team call-up for Kenya’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gabon and Seychelles.He was among four debutants, including Gor Mahia’s Geoffrey Ochieng, Orlando City B’s Nabi Kibunguchy, and Murang’a Seal’s Eric Balecho.“It was a surprise to me. I knew the call-up was coming, but it came earlier than I expected. I just pushed myself. It’s always an honour to represent your country,” Wesonga reflects.That first call-up was followed by another during his third Premier League season, for the U23 team that was set to travel to South Africa.Wesonga training with the national teamHowever, Wesonga had to make a difficult decision and stay with his club, which was in the Mozzart Bet Cup final.“My team was in the final. I played a key role, so I had to stay. Even though we lost on penalties, I don’t regret it. The team needed me.”His consistency eventually earned him a third call-up, this time to the Mapinduzi Cup in early 2025 under interim coach Francis Kimanzi and assistant Zico.He made his debut against Burkina Faso in a 1-1 draw, a proud moment, even though he returned home with a knee injury.Former Shabana forward regrets losing Osoro to Zambia“I had to wait for my debut. It came against Burkina Faso, but unfortunately, I couldn’t continue in the competition because I got injured. Still, it was a good moment for me and my family.”What was initially thought to be a minor knock turned into a serious knee injury, eventually requiring surgery.The former Umri defender was sidelined for nearly four months but returned to competitive action on April 19 against Mara Sugar FC, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw.##NAJAVA_MECA_9023602##Although he returned, Wesonga feels the season did not end the way he would have hoped.When his contract with KCB expired, he began looking for a new challenge, which came on Monday, 23 June 2025, when he completed a move to South Sudanese champions Jamus SC.“It is honestly a dream come true. This is one of the career moves I have always wanted to achieve. When the opportunity presented itself, I took the challenge,” Wesonga says.Wesonga at JumusHe adds that the move is about more than personal ambition.“Winning trophies and giving my best, that’s the mission here. I want to make a name for Kenyan players in this country.”During his time in the FKF Premier League, a proposed move to AFC Leopards was in the works but never materialised.“The move to Ingwe didn’t fail; it’s just that my contract hadn’t ended at KCB,” he clarifies. “Football is about timing.”VAR technology is coming to Kenya for the first timeAt just 23, Wesonga has already penned a compelling story, one that began on the sidelines and is now unfolding on the international stage.Three national team call-ups, professional contracts, cup finals, and a move abroad all by 23, but he is not done.“The dream is Europe. That’s where I want to go. That’s where I believe I belong.”
