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Let’s take a look at our very own Arnold Akafwale. The name may not ring a bell but he is one of the stars many of us may not recognize in the football world. He has gone an extra mile just to ensure he gets to the level he is. He is a talented and disciplined right back playing for Mara Sugar FC in the National Super League.

Arnold Akafuale in action for Mara Sugar FC

Born on 24th Sept 1999 in Bubala, Butere, Western Kenya. Akafuale is the last born with 3 brothers and 1 sister. He started schooling at Bubala primary school in Butere. His family later moved to Nakuru where he continued schooling at Madaraka Primary School.

Akafuale started playing football way back in primary school. Although he did not play much football back then, he was always committed to representing his class during the inter class competition and repeatedly banged the best player award in every competition. After primary school he joined Menengai High school where he immediately joined the school training sessions. His coaches Peter Wekesa, Davies Omweno and games teacher Mr. Peter Sechero were so impressed with him and this led to his inclusion in the school team while still in form one. By the time he got to form two, he was handed the armband and steered the team to their first secondary school ball games regional finals where they were knocked out by a more experienced Cheptenye high school.

His family was not supportive of his football ambitions at first but he kept on training with his friends and never gave up on chasing his dream. As time went by, his family noted the sheer determination, sacrifice and focus Akafuale had in pursuing his dreams and they started supporting him. 

Previous Teams: Free Area FC, Abeingo FC, St. Joseph’s FC, Eldoret Youth FC, Mara Sugar FC, Sony FC

Dream Teams: KCB FC, Bandari FC and Mamelodi Sundowns

At the grassroots level, this young star started his carrer with Free Area FC while still in standard seven. He helped the team get promoted from the district league to the county league. At the county League, Free Area FC under the management of Coach Eboso Ghonna and Team manager Michael Obuya, did so well and were unlucky to be knocked out in the playoffs of the main league at Afraha stadium in 2017.

Akafuale with his Free Area FC teammates

Akafuale who had now acquired a Nick name Agwanda at Free Area FC moved to Abiengo FC which was playing in the Rift Valley Provincial League. He later left before the end of the 2nd leg to join St. Joseph’s FC, Nakuru. Before the season ended, he got a call up to join Eldoret Youth (which had just been promoted to the National Super League) but they did not agree on certain terms.

Mara Sugar FC (Div 1 at the time) stepped in and quickly secured the services of the player. After one season at Mara Sugar FC, Sony Sugar FC showed interest in the player and the star started shinning for this young footballer as he got to be signed up by Sony Sugar FC to join them in the Kenyan topmost tier league. Things did not work out well at Sony as the club was plugged into financial crisis. He had to depart and 3 more clubs showed interest in the player but he turned them down and decided to go back to Mara Sugar. Akafuale immediately helped the team earn a promotion to the National Super League.

Arnold is currently the assistant captain for Mara Sugar FC. He is a diehard fan of KCB FC in the Kenya premier league. The teams he dreams to play for include KCB FC, Bandari FC and the south African soccer giants Mamelodi Sundowns. Upon retirement from playing football, he would like to be a technical adviser of the national team and start soccer academies across the country. We wish him well as he continues to pursue his football career.

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