Former AFC Leopards goalkeeper retires at 28
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 08.01.26. | 18:52
His decision brings to an end a journey that saw him feature prominently across both the National Super League and the FKF Premier League
Former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Edwin Mukolwe has announced his retirement from professional football, drawing the curtain on a remarkable decade-long career in Kenyan football at the relatively young age of 28.
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Mukolwe made the announcement barely a month after parting ways with Kakamega Homeboyz, where he was among ten players released by the 2023 Mozzart Bet Cup champions in a squad reshuffle.
His decision brings to an end a journey that saw him feature prominently across both the National Super League (NSL) and the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL).
The immediate former Homeboyz custodian enjoyed a well-travelled career, turning out for AFC Leopards, Bidco United, Wazito FC, Nairobi Stima, Nairobi City Stars, and Kakamega Homeboyz, earning a reputation as a resilient and dependable shot-stopper across the domestic scene.
Taking to his Facebook page, Mukolwe cited the realities of football, the highs and lows, victories and disappointments, as central to his decision to hang up his gloves during what many consider the peak years for an athlete, and particularly early for a goalkeeper.
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Despite stepping away from competitive football, he emphasised that he will remain active within the sporting ecosystem, transitioning into fitness, cycling, and running.
“My journey as a professional football player ends here. Ten years in the Kenyan football space is no mean feat. Ups and downs, victories and defeats, cheers and cries, it has been quite the ride,” Mukolwe wrote.
“As I look back to 2016 with my first professional contract at AFC Leopards, I am proud of the strength and resilience I have developed. I have grown a thick skin and become a better man.
I may have dreamed of playing at AFCON 2027, but I believe I will still have an impact in a different capacity. We plan, but God decides (Proverbs 16:1). It is time for a new chapter.”
Mukolwe’s football journey dates back to his secondary school days at Kakamega High School, where he featured for the famed Green Commandoes side.
His performances earned him a call-up to the Kenya U-17 national team, placing him firmly on the national radar.
His rapid rise attracted the attention of AFC Leopards, who secured his signature in 2016 immediately after completing high school.
At just 19 years old, Mukolwe made his FKF-PL and Ingwe debut against Tusker FC, a milestone that signalled the arrival of a promising young goalkeeper.
However, his time at the Den was a mix of promise and challenge. In 2018, he was loaned out to Wazito FC for six months in search of regular game time.
The following year, he moved to Kangemi United, before switching to Nairobi Stima in 2020, where he competed in the National Super League.
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A pivotal chapter of his career came in November 2020, when he joined Bidco United.
Mukolwe enjoyed a successful three-year stint with the Thika-based side, making over 40 appearances and playing a key role in guiding the Oilers to FKF-PL promotion in 2023.
In November 2023, he signed for Nairobi City Stars, where he established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, racking up nearly 30 appearances for the Kawangware-based outfit.
His final professional stop came in 2025 with Kakamega Homeboyz, where he once again commanded a starting role before his departure at the close of the year in December.
At the international level, Mukolwe featured for Kenya U-17 and U-20 sides.
He was also named in the provisional senior Harambee Stars squad in May 2016 ahead of two international friendly games, but he did not make an official senior appearance.
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