Bajaber opens upon football journey after landmark Simba SC move

The 22-year-old, who was officially unveiled by the Tanzanian giants on August 2, said his journey began with resistance at home, but success in grassroots competitions — particularly the Ligi Ndogo tournament — turned his parents into his biggest supporters.

“My parents have been very supportive, but at first, they never wanted me to play football a lot. They advised me to go back to school, and after playing in Ligi Ndogo, I went back to school. However, my brothers convinced my parents, and they supported me financially and emotionally.”

Bajaber, who joined Police FC in February from former FKF Premier League side Nairobi City Stars, left for greener pastures six months later after impressing for both club and country, assisting Police to win their maiden league title.

 He exited the Harambee Stars camp, preparing for the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), to finalise his move to the Red Lions, ruling him out of the tournament.

The midfielder is now looking forward to life on a bigger stage, highlighting the intensity of the famous Simba SC - Yanga derby, which he likened to Kenya’s Mashemeji derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

“Simba vs Yanga is a big game, and everyone is always looking forward to seeing how things will go and when the game will be played, and it's pretty much the same as the Mashemeji derby, as I haven’t played in one.”

With his eyes set on making an immediate impact, Bajaber believes the move represents not just personal growth but also a chance to inspire upcoming Kenyan players.

Simba SC, one of East Africa’s most decorated clubs, will be counting on the Kenyan midfield’s creativity, especially after losing the league title to rivals Yanga and falling out in the Confederation Cup final to RS Berkane.