Collins Agade Mahagwa

I was born in 1988 in Pumwani, on the outskirts of Nairobi City. My journey in football began in my teenage years at the age of 8 when I joined Pumwani Youth Football Club. Witnessing the high rates of crime and drug misuse among men, youths, and women in our local area compelled me to channel my energy into training and playing local football tournaments organized by the Football Kenya Federations.

My parents also played a significant role by involving me in church activities, providing a positive outlet amidst the challenges. After completing high school, I dedicated myself entirely to my football career, aspiring to make an impact in the Kenyan leagues and serve as a role model to the youth facing similar struggles, some of whom tragically lost their lives to violence and substance abuse.

Through patience and hard work, I earned a spot at Muhoroni FC, a Kenya Premier League club. In my debut season, I established myself as a regular player, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. Despite a setback due to a serious knee injury towards the end of the season, I continued to strive, eventually earning a call-up to the Kenya National Football Team, Harambee Stars, in 2019.

That same year, I joined Bandari Football Club, another prominent Kenyan team, where I found financial stability and played for six seasons until my early retirement due to chronic injury.

Passionate about coaching, I transitioned into coaching activities post-retirement, joining Club Fit Football Academy as a volunteer in 2021. At the academy, we nurture young football talents from humble backgrounds, providing them with opportunities for education through scholarships. It’s a humbling experience to witness talented youngsters benefiting from structured programs, especially considering the financial challenges many families face in accessing education.

Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my journey as a coach, sharing my football knowledge and experiences with the next generation of players. My ultimate goal is to see our talented players from Club Fit for Life Football Academy pursue professional football careers abroad in the coming years.