Gor Mahia-bound midfielder reveals two clubs with greatest impact on his career
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 23.06.26. | 19:03
The assistant captain's rise has been particularly impressive, considering he only joined Nairobi United midway through the 2024/25 season from FC Talanta
Following another impressive season with Nairobi United, which has attracted the attention of record league champions Gor Mahia, Enock Machaka has opened up on the two clubs that have had the greatest influence on his football journey.
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The diminutive midfielder, who is on the verge of completing a transfer to defending FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia, reflected on the lessons he picked up at the two clubs as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.
Machaka enjoyed a remarkable campaign with Nairobi United, helping the newly promoted side exceed expectations in their maiden top-flight season.
The club finished fourth in the FKF Premier League with 53 points and also made history by reaching the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup at the first attempt.
The assistant captain's rise has been particularly impressive, considering he only joined Nairobi United midway through the 2024/25 season from FC Talanta.
He played a crucial role in helping the club secure promotion from the National Super League (NSL) before becoming one of the standout performers in the top flight.
Despite suffering the devastating loss of his father during the season, Machaka remained focused and was rewarded with the Nairobi United Player of the Season award.
Looking back on his journey, the midfielder revealed that Bandari FC was the club that first taught him what it takes to succeed as a professional footballer.
"Out of all the teams I have played for, I can say two of them have had the biggest impact on my life and career. The first one is Bandari. It is in Bandari that I learned the demands of football.
Because I was being paid, everything was there, so it was up to me to deliver the results. I had to push myself to achieve greater heights. It had a big mental impact on me," Machaka told Mozzart Sport.
The former Shabana and FC Talanta midfielder spent two seasons at Bandari between 2022 and 2024, a period he says played a major role in developing his mentality and professionalism.
"I was very happy to join Bandari. It was one of those teams that I was always hopeful I would play for. My time there started well, and despite not ending on a high note, I learned the importance of patience, and that has been carrying me through the days," he added.
While Bandari sharpened his professional mindset, Machaka believes Nairobi United has been instrumental in elevating his career to new heights.
"The second team is Nairobi United. They have really built my career. I came to Nairobi United and found a loving, united, and prayerful system.
We have been in a setup where we put God at the centre, and we help each other. When you have any issue, people come through," he explained.
Machaka's impressive performances for Nairobi United attracted interest from several clubs before Gor Mahia were reported to have secured his signature.
Having previously turned out for Thika United, Northern Wanderers, Bandari, Shabana, FC Talanta and Nairobi United, the midfielder will join K'Ogalo as one of the most sought-after players in the local league.