Barasa struggles to rebuild after unexpected expulsion by Mara Sugar
Reading Time: 4min | Thu. 23.04.26. | 09:35
The decision came just days after the young custodian had featured in his first match for the Sugar Millers in the Mozzart Bet Cup, a debut that quickly turned into a difficult outing both for the player and the team
When goalkeeper Kaunda Barasa Junior put pen to paper with FKF Premier League side Mara Sugar FC, he described the move as a dream come true.
The moment signalled the realisation of his ambition to play in the top flight after years of working his way through the lower divisions of Kenyan football.
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However, barely a month into his stay, Mara terminated the goalkeeper’s six-month contract, in a move that was neither mutually agreed upon nor clearly explained.
The decision came just days after the young custodian had featured in his first match for the Sugar Millers in the Mozzart Bet Cup, a debut that quickly turned into a difficult outing both for the player and the team.
Facing non-league side Wisdom Soccer Academy (WISA) in Kitale, Mara had looked to be in control after taking a two-goal lead, but the game slipped away as WISA staged a spirited comeback to force a 3-3 stalemate.
WISA would eliminate the FKF Premier League side at the first hurdle through a post-match penalty shootout.
After the long journey back from Kitale to Narok, Kaunda returned with the rest of the squad and even managed to take part in the first training session after the humbling defeat.
Events took a dramatic turn the following day when he was handed the shocking news that his contract had been terminated, but while his February salary would be paid, he was required to vacate the club premises immediately.
The former Soy United goalkeeper had initially caught the attention of Mara Sugar scouts during the December holiday tournaments, where he impressed while featuring for Maroon Commandos, earning himself a move to the FKF Premier League.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the young custodian maintained that he was and still is unaware of the circumstances that led to the early termination of his contract, insisting that no formal explanation was ever given to him by the club.
“I am not aware of what to say because I also did not know anything, and I was not told anything after the Mozzart Bet Cup game that we played in Kitale,” he said.
The former Kajiado FC goalkeeper further revealed that he had been deployed in goal against WISA despite being unwell, a situation he believes may have contributed to his performance during that particular match.
“Yes, I was sick while in goal. After that game, we resumed training on Monday, then on Tuesday, the kit manager came and said the CEO had terminated my contract without any explanation.”
It was supposed to be the first real step into life in the top tier for the young goalkeeper, who had spent his career navigating the second and third levels of the Kenyan football pyramid.
Instead, the excitement of finally getting a chance to perform on the big stage quickly turned into a frustrating and emotionally draining experience that nearly forced him to walk away from the game altogether.
The ex-Hillside net minder explains that the timing of the termination dealt him a significant blow, as it effectively locked him out of immediate opportunities at the top level, with both the FKF Premier League and National Super League (NSL) transfer windows already closed.
“It really affected me, because the axing came when transfer windows had already closed, the Premier League window and the NSL window,” he explained.
“It caused a lot of harm to my career, and I nearly retired prematurely from football, yeah, but we are trying.”
The former Compel SC goalkeeper admits the experience left a heavy mental impact on him, noting that it took him several months to regain a sense of normalcy.
However, he says he is gradually working his way back to his best with the support of teammates and friends at third-tier side FC Dynamo.
“At the moment, I am not that bad; I am okay and at least trying. I have been speaking to some players who have really stepped up and helped me get back to normal.”
While the move to the Millers may have left behind painful memories and raised questions about how such situations are handled, Kaunda says he is now using the setback as motivation.
He is determined to rebuild his career and work his way back to the top level with the long-term goal of one day representing Harambee Stars.
“The only thing that is pushing me is that I am still focused on trying and returning to the top. My family always tells me I have talent, and I want to push and try to use the heartbreak as a bridge to the national team.”
Currently, the young custodian features for third-tier side FC Dynamo, where he has regained consistency and is competing for a place with former Ruiru Hotstars goalkeeper Brian Machisu.
