Football is not just a matter of directing the ball straight into the opponent’s net but the players also need to make use of the intelligent part of them in attacking life just as they do in the field and make the crowd go wild. Many footballers have taken the game professionally while others part time. 11 players 1 heartbeat, Augustine Kuta holds this phrase close to his heart.
Augustine Kuta alias “Gaucho” was born in Mombasa, kenya on 3rd may 1992. Growing up he loved playing football at home with the boys and even at school. He is a very skilled and creative attacking midfielder with incomparable technical skills and dribbling abilities, earning himself the nickname”Gaucho” after the renown and famous former Barcelona attacking midfield Ronaldinho Gaúcho.
“I always wanted to be a professional footballer. It’s a passion. And the benefits in terms of making a living out of playing motivates me” he said.
The fierce midfielder has played for four football clubs including Vihiga Allstars( 2013-2015), Palos Fc (2017), Nairobi Stima (2018-2019) and Western Stima (2019-2020). Despite the challenges that come with balancing between family and his job as a professional player and a business owner, Gaucho has managed to stand his ground as one of the best midfielders the country has. He has had a taste of other career fields and does not let an opportunity to flourish sleep through his fingers.
“I chose to sell sports equipment because I saw an opportunity to flourish in it since I am directly involved in football” he spoke
“I was an assistant administrator at an interior design firm before I switched to professional football and sale of sports equipment” said kuta
“I have a family, a wife and two babies, its difficult balancing between the two but I manage with the help of my supportive family” kuta affirms
Financial consciousness is key to any individual and Gaucho is not an exception. To ensure his financial stability, Kuta opened a business (kuta collections) which deals with sports equipment and he could not hold back in encouraging football players to embrace the art of saving. He says he was inspired to start the business in preparation for life after football.
“I encourage players to save the little they get for the future and invest while they still play.” He urged
“I own a business, Kuta collections, along Ronald Ngala street, Dubai Merchant mall shop F38,1st floor.” Said Augustine. “I was inspired to set up a business in preparation for life after football. Football is a short career and also one could suffer injuries that could lead to early retirement.” He continued.
“I deal in sports equipment majorly, soccer boots, other items, sports shoes, balls, shinguards, socks and gym equipment.” Said Kuta
Interestingly, Gaucho had applied signed up for western stima as his first KPL but didn’t get the chance due to an injury. He loves his job and the lessons that come with it.
“I love my job because I get to interact with new people with the same interest in football every day. The lessons learnt from football, it’s never too late for a player to hit the peak” he said
“I signed for western stima as my first KPL team but never got the chance to feature in the league because in the preparation to the league I got a serious injury and had to be operated on.” He pressed on
“My advice to a younger person. Work hard always and never underestimate the power of prayers in everything you do. Most importantly invest while still playing.” He encouraged
