FROM REFUGEE CAMP TO RISING STAR: Keba George Adhou’s football journey

Keba George Adhou, a talented Sudanese refugee football player, has earned the nickname “Pogba” due to his remarkable passing ability and style of play, reminiscent of the famous French footballer Paul Pogba. His journey to becoming a notable figure in the football community is one of resilience, determination, and perseverance, especially considering the hardships he faced growing up in a refugee camp.

Born in Sudan, Keba was brought to Kenya at just six months old, and his connection to his homeland was more in name than experience. He grew up in Kakuma refugee camp, where, as a young boy, he discovered football through watching games at the local playing grounds. The thrill of the matches, the energy of the fans, and the strategies of the teams drew him in, sparking an interest that would soon develop into a passion. He began following famous footballers, learning about the game’s rich history, and envisioning himself as a player on the global stage.

Despite the ongoing challenges in his environment—conflict, persecution, and the harsh consequences of climate change—Keba found solace in football. It became an escape from the hardships of life in the refugee camp, a place where he could channel his energy and focus. However, football in Kakuma came with its own set of challenges: the lack of organized leagues, poor scouting, and minimal support for young talents made it difficult for players like Keba to get noticed.

Keba started playing football seriously at the age of 12, initially just for fun. He joined a local team named Black Cobra as a goalkeeper, occasionally playing as a defender. However, after the team disbanded, he moved to his community’s team, Danger FC, where he transitioned to the right-back position. A few years later, his desire to explore other positions led him to play as a central midfielder, inspired by the 2018 World Cup performances of Paul Pogba. Watching Pogba’s control of the midfield gave Keba a new vision for his role on the pitch, and he worked tirelessly to develop his skills in that position.

Keba’s big break came in December 2018, when he participated in a community tournament where his outstanding performance caught the attention of scouts. The crowd chanted “Pogba” in recognition of his style of play, and soon after, he was recruited to join Juluda FC in the Kakuma Premier League. Although the team struggled and was relegated, Keba’s talent did not go unnoticed. In 2019, he joined 99 Mountain FC, one of the top clubs in the league, where his skills blossomed, and he became a well-known figure in the local football scene.

By October 2019, Keba had joined Kakuma United FC, participating in the FKF Division II league. Unfortunately, just months later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, halting the football season. Despite this setback, Keba remained determined. After the pandemic, he returned to pre-season training and impressed Hillside FC during a friendly match, which led to his signing with the club in 2022.

Keba’s most significant opportunity came in December 2022, when he played a pre-season friendly against FKF top-tier team Kakamega Homeboyz. Although the deal to join the team fell through, his performance caught the attention of scouts. In July 2023, Keba received a call from a renowned Kenyan coach to trial with Rainbow FC, a team playing in Kenya’s second-tier league (NSL), and he was among the selected players.

Throughout his journey, Keba has had immense support from his family, particularly his mother, as well as from organizations like UNHCR and LWF, which have helped host sports activities and provide basic needs. Playing alongside Kenyan players has given him valuable experience, learning from seasoned teammates and bonding over shared challenges on and off the pitch.

Despite facing societal doubts, particularly from parents who often don’t see football as a viable career, Keba has remained steadfast in his pursuit of success. His advice to young refugees pursuing their passion for football or any other sport is simple but powerful: stay determined, seek support from mentors, balance passion with education, and keep a long-term vision.

Looking to the future, Keba dreams of playing in Europe’s top five leagues and representing his country on the international stage. He hopes to give back to his community by building an academy to nurture young talent and create opportunities through football. He also envisions establishing programs that promote social development and peace, using football to unite people from different backgrounds and reduce prejudice.

Keba George Adhou’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and belief. His story shows that no matter where you come from or the challenges you face, passion and determination can take you to unimaginable heights.