Refugee Footballers Rise from Kakuma Camp to South Sudan's Premier League
Kakuma, 29 July 2026
Four talented footballers raised in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp have defied the odds to become key professional players and captains in the South Sudan Premier League.
From Kakuma’s Dusty Pitches to Elite Leadership
The remarkable journey of these four athletes represents a profound shift from the harsh realities of displacement to the structured world of professional sports [1]. Striker Thetloach Thor Manyjang, widely known by his moniker ‘Chikidi’, has recently achieved a significant milestone by being named one of the captains for El Merriekh Bentiu [1]. His teammate, Reech, has similarly been appointed as the club’s Fourth Captain [1]. Both players have earned widespread praise within the South Sudan Premier League for their exceptional leadership, personal discipline, and highly consistent performances on the pitch [1].
A Diverse Coalition of Regional Talent
The cohort of former refugee players is completed by two international talents who also honed their skills in the Kakuma camp [1]. Eric Mbirizi, a Burundian refugee, has established himself as a vital defensive midfielder, earning plaudits for his composed ball-winning capabilities [1]. Alongside him, Rwandan refugee Saleh Ishimwe anchors the defence as a centre-back, highly regarded for his physical presence, defensive solidity, and aerial strength [1]. Before securing their professional contracts with El Merriekh Bentiu, all four players developed their competitive edge with Naath Boys FC, the former champions of the Kakuma Premier League [1].
Pre-Season Dominance and Tactical Maturity
The technical quality of El Merriekh Bentiu, the reigning champions of South Sudan, was on full display on 27 July 2026, when the squad thrashed Kibuli UTD 5-0 in a pre-season friendly match [2]. Played at the Yes Centre Nsambya playground, the dominant performance underscores the club’s readiness for the upcoming competitive season [2]. For the former Kakuma players, participating in such high-calibre fixtures serves as validation of their technical development, proving they can transition seamlessly from community-level pitches to elite regional football [1][2].
Systemic Challenges and the Call for Investment
While the success of these four players is celebrated, it also highlights the systemic gaps in sports development within refugee settings [1]. Willy, a coach for Big Brothers FC and a former Lamasia FC player, noted that Kakuma is home to a vast reservoir of untapped athletic talent [1]. He pointed out that government bodies, sports stakeholders, and humanitarian agencies have historically underinvested in identifying and nurturing these talents [1]. Willy remarked that the rise of Chikidi, Reech, Eric, and Saleh serves as definitive proof that players from Kakuma possess the capability to compete successfully at the highest tiers of African football [1].
A Beacon of Hope for Refugee Youth
Ultimately, the ascent of this quartet provides far more than just athletic entertainment; it offers vital social currency and hope to the youth of the Kakuma and Kalobeyei communities [1]. In an environment where professional pathways are often limited, their transition to the South Sudan Premier League demonstrates that rigorous discipline, structured training, and perseverance can pave the way to viable professional careers [1]. Their leadership roles at El Merriekh Bentiu stand as a powerful testament to the transformative power of sports in fostering regional integration and personal empowerment [1].