Simba Star Mohammed Bajaber on How Wonder Goal For Harambee Stars v Gambia Changed His Life Forever

New Simba SC forward Mohammed Bajaber has opened up on how his debut goal for Harambee Stars during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers transformed his career and thrust him into the national spotlight.

The 21-year-old winger has enjoyed a meteoric rise in 2025. After a mid-season move from Nairobi City Stars to Kenya Police, Bajaber wasted no time making an impact, scoring six goals from the left flank and catching the eye of national team head coach Benni McCarthy.

Although initially drafted into the squad in January by former coach Francis Kimanzi, it was in March that Bajaber made headlines. 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Coming off the bench against Gambia in a qualifier hosted in Ivory Coast, he produced a moment of magic — weaving past two defenders before unleashing a thunderous shot into the top corner.

Just four days later, he earned a starting spot in the 2-1 defeat to Gabon at the Nyayo National Stadium. Despite the loss, his fearless play and attacking flair left fans convinced Kenya had unearthed a mercurial talent.

Speaking to Simba FC’s YouTube channel after completing his transfer from Police, who he helped win the league in the six months he played for them, Bajaber recalled the moment that changed everything.

“I practice it a lot in training. It is not a fluke,” he said of his shooting technique towards the far post.

“I was like, ‘there is nothing to lose, let me just go out there and enjoy myself.’ When I received the ball from Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma, I scanned around and noticed space at the far post. There was just one defender in front of me, so I decided to give it a go, and it went in.”

From that instant, Bajaber’s life off the pitch shifted dramatically.

“It changed my life to be honest. People started to ask for selfies of me as soon as we arrived back. I was not used to that limelight. Before, people did not know me, but now they know me.”

Bajaber, who cites former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Eden Hazard as his inspiration, is now looking to replicate his international form at club level with Tanzanian giants Simba SC.

If his recent trajectory is anything to go by, this is just the beginning of a story that could see him become one of East Africa’s brightest football stars.