Two aspiring Kenyan professional footballers have returned home after spending months homeless and penniless in Indonesia, after falling victim to a suspected football recruitment scam.
Brian Andaje and Sunday Majimbo believed they were travelling to the Asian country for legitimate contract opportunities with professional football clubs.
Instead, upon arrival, they discovered that no clubs were waiting for them and were left stranded, struggling to survive on the streets.
Their safe return followed a joint intervention by the Indonesian Professional Footballers Association (APPI), the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA), and the Kenyan Embassy in Jakarta, according to a report published by the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) on Tuesday.
The incident has renewed concerns over fake football agents and unverified recruitment offers targeting African footballers seeking opportunities abroad.
Andaje and Majimbo travelled to Indonesia in December 2025 after a man posing as a football intermediary allegedly promised to secure professional contracts for them.
According to FIFPRO, the pair were assured that clubs were waiting to sign them upon arrival.
“Despite being told they would have contracts on arrival, the players were never introduced to any clubs and, over time, communication with the intermediary became limited before eventually ceasing altogether,” the organisation said.
“The players were left stranded with no income, and at one point were sleeping on the streets before seeking help,” it added.
FIFPRO said the two footballers relied on support from relatives, friends and members of local communities as they moved from one temporary shelter to another. At one point, they were forced to sleep on the streets.
Eventually, acting on the advice of acquaintances, they travelled from Bali to Jakarta in search of organisations that could assist them in returning home.
Reflecting on the experience, Andaje expressed gratitude to those who came to their rescue.
“During one of the most difficult periods of our lives, APPI stood by us with genuine care and compassion. They didn’t just help us solve our problems – they gave us hope when we had almost lost it. We will always be grateful for everything they did for us.”
Majimbo described the support they received as unforgettable.
“This experience reminded us that there are still people and organisations that truly care about the wellbeing of footballers. We will never forget the support we received from APPI, KEFWA and the Kenyan Embassy.”
After learning about the players’ plight, FIFPRO said KEFWA contacted its Indonesian counterpart, APPI, to seek urgent assistance.
APPI established contact with the players within days and provided immediate support by covering their daily living expenses and temporary accommodation.
According to FIFPRO, the Kenyan Embassy later housed the players during the final three weeks before their return home, while KEFWA worked with their families and relevant authorities in Kenya.
APPI Secretary General Gotcha Michael said no footballer should ever be abandoned in a foreign country.
“No player should ever find themselves abandoned in a foreign country without support. As player unions, we have a responsibility to protect footballers when they face situations like this.
“We were pleased to work alongside KEFWA and the Kenyan Embassy to ensure Brian and Sunday received the assistance they needed and could return home safely.”
KEFWA President James Situma praised the collaboration between the organisations.
“This case demonstrates why strong cooperation between player unions is so important. We are grateful to APPI for responding so quickly and to the Kenyan Embassy for its commitment throughout the process. Together, we were able to ensure that Brian and Sunday returned home safely to their families.”
FIFPRO said the case highlights the growing threat posed by individuals falsely presenting themselves as licensed football agents.
The organisation noted that, in 2023, FIFPRO Africa launched a campaign with the Didier Drogba Foundation and the International Labour Organisation to raise awareness about football-related scams targeting African players.
A survey involving 263 professional male and female players from seven African countries found that more than 70 per cent had been approached by someone claiming to offer overseas football opportunities.
The survey also showed that 56 per cent never received the promised trial, while 44 per cent failed to secure the contracts they had been promised.
FIFPRO urged players to verify that intermediaries are licensed by FIFA, avoid paying agents before signing contracts with clubs, and seek legal advice from their national players’ unions before travelling abroad.
Situma also advised footballers to thoroughly verify opportunities before relocating overseas.
“Every year, players are approached with opportunities that seem attractive but have not been properly verified. We encourage footballers to contact their player union before making decisions about moving abroad.
“Seeking advice early can make all the difference and help prevent situations like this from happening again.”
FIFPRO added that the incident underscores the importance of cooperation among players’ unions worldwide in protecting footballers and defending their rights wherever they play.
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