Masud Juma part ways with Iranian giants Esteghlal FC

Esteghlal edged Malavan 1-0 in a tightly contested final on Thursday, with Juma playing a crucial role in their cup-winning campaign.

Born and raised in Isiolo, Juma’s journey from dusty pitches to international arenas is nothing short of inspirational.

He first showcased his talent at Tumaini Primary School and later led Isiolo Barracks Secondary School to victory in the Coca-Cola/AFCO Inter-Military Schools Championship, where he was named MVP.

His early club career included stints at Isiolo Youth FC and Kambakia Christian Centre before being discovered by Shabana FC during a national talent search.

In 2014, Juma joined Bandari FC, where he gained national attention, particularly after scoring in the FKF President’s Cup final.

Despite a setback due to injury, his resilience and striking ability saw him move through various Kenyan clubs, including SoNy Sugar and Kariobangi Sharks.

He won the 2017 Premier League Golden Boot with 18 goals at Sharks.

His career then took an international turn, with professional spells in South Africa, the UAE, Libya, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia, before joining Esteghlal in Iran.

Juma also earned caps for the Kenyan national team, debuting in 2017 and scoring in a friendly against Mauritania.

Juma exits Esteghlal FC on a high note and while his next destination remains unknown, his journey continues to inspire many young Kenyan footballers dreaming of success beyond borders.