Kenyan midfielder Lorna Nyabuto in action. Photo/courtesy.
Kenyan midfielder Lorna Nyabuto has opened up about the challenges she encountered during her time playing in Europe, where she faced racism, delayed payments, and professional setbacks.
Nyabuto, who took to social media in July to share her struggles, has now disclosed new difficulties that arose after her decision to go public. She had signed a one-year deal to play in Europe, hoping that the move would elevate her career.
However, her experience quickly soured, prompting her return to Kenya and the need for assistance from the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA).
“At times we wish for happy endings. After I did my interview about the frustrations and challenges, I never insulted the club when I was doing the interview, saying the truth will never change the way I felt about some people,” she shared.
“That’s when I came across a post accusing me of lying, and I’m here to share it.”
Nyabuto revealed that after she declined to extend her contract, she faced backlash from both the coach and other members of staff.
Despite her dissatisfaction with the club’s handling of issues like racism and late payments, her choice not to renew her contract was met with resistance.
“I didn’t want to renew my contract at the club because I wasn’t comfortable with it. Thereafter, Rashidi Kenneth and Coach Javi were not okay with me not wanting to do so. What they are doing is not going to frustrate me,” Nyabuto explained, adding that false claims about her insulting the club had been made.
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Her situation worsened as the club reportedly refused to release her from her contract.
“Now I’m not being released because of that. I don’t want to quarrel with you either. I have a lot to deal with, and I’m not going to give up because of what you have done,” Nyabuto expressed, sharing her disappointment over the way she was treated.
“Being silent is not going to solve any of my problems. Yes, I was depressed, but that will not change what you did and what I said about you,” she wrote.
In her earlier revelation in July, Nyabuto reflected on the personal hardships she endured at the club.
Living in the club-provided accommodation, she felt lonely and uneasy, navigating strained relationships with teammates and the challenge of preparing meals in advance to sustain her throughout the day.
“Imagine taking cold food every day. No one wanted to see you perform, though I had people to talk to who made me feel relieved and encouraged me every day,” Nyabuto shared.
She acknowledged that the experience left her feeling both depressed and discriminated against, although she remained determined to give her all on the field.
Nyabuto’s ordeal stands as a warning to other footballers, with her advising them to carefully review contracts before signing. She recounted how her original one-year contract was later disputed, with the club claiming she had signed for three years.
“I want to say thank you to KEFWA and Chris Osale. I do appreciate you so much. By now, I wouldn’t have come back if it weren’t for your help,” she expressed, grateful for the support that helped her return to Kenya after the difficult experience.
Before her European stint, Nyabuto had made a name for herself on the local scene, playing for Kenya Police Bullets FC and Vihiga Queens, and achieving a significant career milestone when she debuted for Kenya in a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan.
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