Issa Emuria: Clean sheets, big dreams and an inspiring journey from Turkana to the top of FKF goalkeeper charts

The FKF Premier League Round 13 concluded on Sunday after starting on Friday with a goalless draw between Bidco United and Mathare United at Kasarani.

The result owed much to the brilliance of Bidco goalkeeper Issa Emuria, who produced a series of fine saves to register his seventh clean sheet of the season, moving him to the top of the Golden Glove standings.

Following the match, The Eastleigh Voice held a one-on-one interview with Emuria, who reflected on his season so far, his ambitions, and the journey that has shaped his rise in Kenyan football.

Emuria joined Bidco United from Ulinzi Stars, where he made history as the first player from the Turkana community to represent Kenya at the junior national team level.

His breakthrough moment came in 2018 during the AFCON Copa Coca-Cola U16 tournament in Nakuru, where he was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. That achievement earned him recognition from then Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok after his first appearance on DStv, a rare milestone for players from the region at the time.

Reflecting on the draw against Mathare United, Emuria was content with another clean sheet, even though victory narrowly eluded his side.

“Today’s game was good. Every time I step onto the pitch, I ask God for a clean sheet and a win. Today we didn’t get the win, but at least I managed my seventh clean sheet,” Emuria told The Eastleigh Voice.

As the season progresses, the Bidco custodian has set ambitious targets for himself. He hopes to finish the campaign with at least 15 to 20 clean sheets and credits his coach for constantly pushing him to higher standards.

“When the season ends, I want to have 20 clean sheets, or at least 15 and above. My coach pushes me day and night in training and always demands clean sheets. Every time I get one, it motivates me even more,” he said.

Beyond individual accolades, Emuria’s ultimate ambition is to earn a call-up to the senior national team, Harambee Stars.

“I’m working hard for that opportunity to be called up for national duty. I believe I’m going far,” he added.

Not every match has been smooth, however. Emuria admitted that Bidco’s away loss to Kakamega Homeboyz at Bukhungu Stadium was the most difficult moment of his season so far. In that match, three goals beat him, with an own goal also contributing to the 3–1 defeat.

“That game really troubled me. We played badly away from home and didn’t expect to concede three goals. It hurt me deeply—I even cried after the match because I really wanted a clean sheet,” he revealed.

Emuria is currently under the guidance of seasoned goalkeeping coach Sam Koko, who joined Bidco United from KCB FC and also works with Kenya’s U20 national team. Known for his demanding approach, Koko has previously nurtured top goalkeepers such as Harambee Stars’ Farouk Shikhalo and Bryne Omondi during his time at Mathare United.

Other Topics To Read

• Sports
• Football
• Headlines
• FKF Premier League
• Bidco United
• Bidco United FC
• Issa Emuria
• Issa Emuria: Clean sheets
• big dreams and an inspiring journey from Turkana to the top of FKF goalkeeper charts

According to Emuria, Koko’s standards remain uncompromising, regardless of results.

“Even after a clean sheet, the coach wants more. When we concede, training becomes very intense. There are no friendly sessions with him,” Emuria said.

Working under a coach with such a proven record has only strengthened Emuria’s belief in his own potential.

“He’s a very good coach and has produced top players. Being under him, I believe I can also reach those levels,” he added.

At the end of Round 13, Emuria and Kenya Police FC’s Job Ochieng lead the clean sheet chart with seven each. They are followed closely by Gor Mahia’s Bryne Omondi on six, while Humphrey Katasi of AFC Leopards and Mathare United’s Kevin Ouru are tied on five.

For Emuria, the numbers tell only part of the story. Behind each clean sheet is a journey defined by resilience, belief, and a determination to rise not just for himself, but for a generation that now sees possibility where once there was none.