Transfer: Harambee Stars' striker pens three-year deal with Premier Soccer League side

Kariobangi Sharks' Masud Juma celebrate a goal against Nakumatt FC during KPL match at Kenyatta Stadium on Monday, April 17. 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Masoud signs for Cape Town City: Harambee Stars' striker pens three-year deal with Premier Soccer League side

Kariobangi Sharks' forward was top scorer in Kenyan Premier League last season.

Last season’s Kenyan Premier League (KPL) top scorer Masoud Juma has been snapped up by South African club Cape Town City on a three-year deal his club has confirmed.

Kariobangi Sharks chairman Robert Maoga said the player opted to go to South Africa despite receiving offers from clubs in Egypt and Sweden.

“Cape Town City acted quickly to acquire his services and that is why we agreed to release him and we are confident he will do well at his new club,” said Maoga.

Maoga further said the departure of Masoud would not affect the team’s performance in the local league as they had already anticipated his departure.

Masoud netted 17 goals last season to emerge the top scorer in the KPL and guided the club to a respectable third position despite this being their first year in the top flight.

He was also instrumental in helping Harambee Stars win last year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup held in Kenya.

“We were already prepared to be without Masoud and for this reason we signed a number of young players. We are also expecting Ebrima Sanneh to come back this season as our lead striker,” added the Sharks boss.

Cape Town City said they were delighted to acquire the 21-year-old striker.

“Cape Town City is delighted to announce the acquisition of 21-year-old Kenyan international striker- Masoud Juma. The undisclosed transfer fee, was accepted by Kariobangi Sharks ahead of bids from Europe, Egypt, and South Africa — and the club is thrilled that Masoud in the end decided to join Cape Town City. 

“Juma will receive his work permit this week and fly to Cape Town on January 8 where he will meet his new teammates and begin preparing for CTCFC’s domestic and CAF campaigns,” the club posted in its social media pages.

City coach Benni McCarthy hailed the attacker, touting him to be a hit. He added that Masoud would help solve his side’s scoring problem as the team has had to rely on midfielders for goals.

“At just 21, Juma has proven to be Africa’s most prolific goalscorer. His quality is evident, as is the interest for him in Europe. He is still young and needs to be nurtured. But once he adapts and settles in, he has all the makings of a lethal out and out number nine. 

“We’ve had to rely on our possession dominance to win games. We’re building a team for the future so it’s nice to start putting together a group of young promising strikers,” said McCarthy told on the club's website.