Queries over Nairobi-based Leventis FC's Portugal trials deal for three Isiolo players

In Isiolo, three young footballers are caught in the middle of a dubious arrangement by Leventis FC, a Nairobi-based lower-tier football club, who promise them trials at lower-tier club Juve Force FC in Portugal but ask for significant financial contributions. This has raised concerns about the integrity of the deal.

Nineteen-year-old Abubakar Ibrahim is among the three players. He was scouted during the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom games at Kinoru Stadium in Meru. According to Leventis United Football Club, Abubakar and two other young players, Abdisalan Shukri (14) and Abdihakim Ahmed (15), were identified as talents worthy of trials in Portugal.

A letter dated April 5, 2024, signed by Thomas Wangira Biketi of Leventis FC, stated that Abubakar should travel to Portugal for trials during the June/July/August transfer window. The letter requested financial support for passport, air tickets, travel insurance, and agency fees, claiming that these were necessary for obtaining a visa and traveling to Portugal. It did not specify the total amount required but called for well-wishers to help fund the young talent's dream.

“He will need to have a valid passport, air tickets, travel insurance, and agency fees to enable him to get a visa and travel to Portugal. We therefore appeal to any well-wishers to support the young talent financially so that he can realize his dream,” the letter read in part.

When Eastleigh Voice met Abubakar and Abdisalan, they were optimistic and excited about the potential opportunity. Abdisalan from Kiwanjani in Wabera ward, who started playing football at the age of 9, told us he was spotted by 'agents' during the tournament’s finals.

However, their coach, Martin Mutembei of Mafa FC, estimated the total cost at Sh 3 million, including expenses for Abdihakim.

 “There is a lot of talent in Isiolo, but much goes to waste due to lack of support,” he said. The funds would cover not only the listed items but also accommodation during the trials.

Football Kenya Federation Isiolo branch Chairperson Hussein Dima acknowledged the development but could not confirm its legitimacy when asked if the office had verified the deal’s authenticity.

According to Thomas Wangira Biketi, the Leventis United Secretary, the money is meant to facilitate their transport, visa, and accommodation during their stay in Portugal.

Abdisalan Shukri, Abubakar Ibrahim and Mafa FC Coach Martin Mutembei at Wabera primary grounds. Photo/Waweru Wairimu

A search by Eastleigh Voice confirmed that Marles Sports Agency is actually owned by Biketi. Former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia defender Julius Owino, who is the Chairman of Leventis FC, confirmed that indeed the club, through Biketi, had engaged the players over a possibility to take them to Portugal.

“We have an agent in Portugal who we work with. We scouted the three players and we want to take them to Europe,” he told Eastleigh Voice.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Nairobi East Secretary Dickson Doyo also admitted that the deal sounded fishy.

“Ideally, the clubs who want to evaluate players normally pay the air tickets and take care of them when they are in the club for the trials. This entire agreement sounds off.”

Efforts to reach out to Juve Force for a comment on the matter were futile as emails, calls, and texts went unanswered.