EXCLUSIVE: South Sudan champions splash record fee to sign non-league Kenyan wonderkid
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 29.06.26. | 17:46
Documents seen by Mozzart Sport indicate that Super Star will pay the transfer fee in installments, while Mukabwa is also set to receive a signing-on fee in US dollars
South Sudan National League champions Super Star have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Upendo FC winger Eugene Mukabwa in what is set to become the Western Regional League side's biggest transfer, Mozzart Sport can exclusively reveal.
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The 19-year-old left winger is expected to sign a two-year contract with the South Sudan Premier League newcomers after both clubs agreed on a transfer package worth close to Ksh500,000, excluding performance-related bonuses.
Documents seen by Mozzart Sport indicate that Super Star will pay the transfer fee in instalments, while Mukabwa is also set to receive a signing-on fee in US dollars.
The first payment is scheduled before the start of the South Sudan Premier League season on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with the remaining instalments to follow in line with the agreed payment structure and FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP).
In an official transfer request addressed to Upendo, Super Star described Mukabwa as one of their priority targets.
"On behalf of Super Star FC, I am writing to formally request the transfer of Eugene Mukabwa, who currently serves as a key player for Upendo FC, wearing jersey number seven.
Super Star FC has identified Eugene Mukabwa as a valuable addition to our squad. We are impressed by his skills, dedication, and potential and firmly believe his presence will significantly strengthen our team. We kindly ask for your cooperation in facilitating this transfer process."
The letter, signed by club president Peter Nhiany, further confirmed that the agreed training compensation would be settled in instalments.
"The board of Super Star FC has agreed that the total training compensation amount will be settled in instalments. The first instalment shall be paid before the commencement of the South Sudan league, scheduled for August 22, 2026."
For the young offensive player, however, the move means much more than just a professional breakthrough.
The former Lwanda Secondary School winger says the opportunity represents the reward for years of sacrifice and perseverance, not only for himself but also for his family.
Most importantly, he dedicates the milestone to his father, who has battled illness for the past four years but has remained his biggest supporter throughout his football journey.
"I dedicate this move to my father. Even though he has been sick for the last four years and has a leg problem that has left him unable to walk, he has never stopped believing in me.
He has always encouraged me to keep pushing, and this opportunity is for him," he told Mozzart Sport.
The youngster says securing financial stability for his family now tops his priorities.
"If everything goes according to plan, the first thing I want is to give back to my family. We are four brothers, but only two of us are working while the others are still struggling.
I am the one who mostly takes care of my parents, so they depend on me a lot. This move will allow me to support them better and improve their lives."
Unlike many of his former schoolmates who secured opportunities in Kenya's top divisions after leaving Shimoli, Mukabwa had to take a different path, continuing to sharpen his talent on the community pitches of Kakamega County while waiting for his chance.
Despite the setbacks, he never lost faith.
"I always believed my moment would come. Starting my professional journey abroad is exciting, but this is only the beginning. I just want to enjoy my football, keep improving, and change my family's life."
He featured in 15 of Upendo's 20 league matches last season, scoring three goals and providing seven assists.
His performances helped Upendo finish second in the Western Regional League Zone C standings on 41 points, level with champions Pinnacle Global, who claimed the title courtesy of a superior goal difference.