As the youngest in a family of eight with four elder brothers, Gor Mahia forward Musa Masika has drawn inspiration from his footballer siblings Shaban Masika and Ayub Timbe.
Gor Mahia forward Musa Masika has attributed his meteoric rise in football to the pivotal influence of his elder siblings, former Kenyan Premier League (KPL) player Shaban Masika and Kenyan international Ayub Timbe.
Speaking on an episode of the TikiTaka Show, Masika shared how growing up in a football-loving family shaped his journey to professional success.
“My love for football started at the family level. All my elder brothers have played football, so I was bound for that path,” Masika said.
As the youngest in a family of eight, with four elder brothers who all played football, Masika’s passion for the game came naturally. He drew particular inspiration from his brother Ayub Timbe, who has represented Kenya on the international stage and played for notable clubs, including English side Reading FC.
“It’s a very nice feeling. Ayub went the furthest with football, but even our elder brothers played. There’s Shaban, Omar, and Hassan, and then Ayub,” Masika explained.
Shaban Masika, the eldest, is a former KPL player who featured for Sofapaka. Timbe, meanwhile, has had a mixed but impactful career abroad.
Musa’s exposure to football began early as he followed his brothers to training sessions. This foundation was solidified when he joined JMJ Academy, a youth football institution co-founded by Shaban.
“I used to go with them wherever they went for training. It got serious for me when JMJ came along. Shaban was one of the founders and among the coaches, so it was easier for me,” he said.
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At JMJ Academy, Masika’s talent blossomed. He won the Copa Coca-Cola Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, signaling his potential as a future star. His elder brother Shaban continued to play a crucial role in nurturing his career, guiding him through pivotal moments, including his stellar performance at the 2016 national secondary schools games, where he led Laiser Hill to their maiden title and claimed the MVP award.
After his success at Laiser Hill, Masika’s career trajectory saw him train with clubs in Europe before making his senior debut with Wazito FC, then competing in the National Super League.
He later joined top-flight side KCB on a free transfer during the 2022/23 season. His impressive performances caught the eye of Gor Mahia’s then-coach Jonathan McKinstry, leading to a move to the Kenyan Premier League’s most successful club for the 2023/24 season.
Reflecting on his journey, Masika emphasized the importance of persistence and professionalism learnt form his elder siblings.
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FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia are looking to bolster the squad with key reinforcements during the January transfer window.
“I can say that something you see or do daily will eventually find you. It’s just like we say, love football, and football will love you back. The more you play, the easier it becomes. Passing becomes easier, running becomes easier. Mostly, I get the professionalism from my brothers,” he noted. “Not to say I wouldn’t play football, but it would have been hard without them.”
Now an established Premier League player, Masika is vying for a spot in a competitive Gor Mahia squad as they mount a title defense, aiming to extend their record to 22 league titles.
His journey from a young boy inspired by his brothers to one of the most exciting young attackers in the country reflects not only his talent but also the enduring influence of his elder siblings.
