Kenyan Midfielder Shares Struggles with Racism, Late Payments, and Broken Promises During Difficult European Stint
Kenyan midfielder Lorna Nyabuto has once again opened up about the challenges she faced during her brief stint in Europe, where she experienced racism, delayed payments, and various professional frustrations.
In July, Nyabuto took to social media to expose the difficulties she encountered at her former club. Now, she has revealed more hardships that followed her courageous decision to speak out.
Nyabuto, who had signed a one-year contract to play in Europe, initially hoped the move would be a major turning point in her career. However, things quickly deteriorated, forcing her to return to Kenya and seek help from the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA).
“Sometimes we hope for happy endings. After I did my interview about the frustrations and challenges, I never insulted the club. I simply shared the truth, and that won’t change the way I feel about certain people,” she explained.
However, Nyabuto soon faced backlash. “I came across a post accusing me of lying, and I’m here to set the record straight.”
Nyabuto explained that after declining to renew her contract, she faced hostility from her coach and other staff members. Despite the issues she had faced, including racism and delayed payments, her decision not to extend her stay was not well-received.
“I didn’t want to renew my contract because I wasn’t comfortable with the situation at the club. Afterward, Coach Javi and Rashidi Kenneth were unhappy with my decision. They’ve tried to frustrate me, but it won’t work,” she said, revealing that screenshots were shared with the club falsely suggesting that she had insulted them.
Her frustrations worsened as the club reportedly refused to release her.
“I’m not being released because of that. I don’t want to argue with you, but I have a lot to handle, and I won’t give up because of what you’ve done,” Nyabuto expressed, sharing her disappointment with the club’s response. Despite these challenges, she remained resolute, saying she had no regrets about speaking out.
“Staying silent won’t solve my problems. Yes, I was depressed, but that doesn’t change what you did or what I said,” she added.
In her initial exposé in July, Nyabuto reflected on the personal struggles she faced during her time at the club.
Living in the team’s accommodation, she felt isolated and uncomfortable. Relationships with her teammates were strained, and she had to prepare her meals in advance just to make it through the day.
“Imagine eating cold food every day. No one wanted to see me succeed, but there were a few people I could talk to who made me feel supported and encouraged me daily,” Nyabuto recalled. The experience left her feeling both depressed and discriminated against, though she remained focused on giving her best on the pitch.
Nyabuto’s experience serves as a warning to other footballers. She advised her peers to thoroughly review their contracts before signing, highlighting how her original one-year contract was later disputed, with the club claiming she had signed for three years.
“I want to thank KEFWA and Chris Osale. Without your help, I wouldn’t have been able to come back,” she said, expressing gratitude for the support that helped her return to Kenya after such a difficult ordeal.
Before moving to Europe, Nyabuto had already made a name for herself on the local scene, playing for Kenya Police Bullets FC and Vihiga Queens. Her international debut for Kenya came during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan, marking a high point in her career before her challenging stint abroad.
