In a bid to continue raising awareness, training and education on how professional football players in Kenya can avoid fake agents, KEFWA Union paid a visit to Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) side Zetech Sparks FC at their training grounds in Ruiru.

Fake agents, not only in Kenya but across Africa, pose a challenge in the world of football by falsely representing themselves as licensed football agents in order to exploit players, clubs, or other parties involved in the transfer or contract negotiations within the football industry.

Exploitation of inexperienced players, financial loss, legal disputes over contracts, reputation damage, transfer delays, lack of regulation, and impact on fair play where they undermine the fairness and integrity of the sport, are some of the unethical practices they engage in.

This is why KEFWA, in conjuction with FIFPRO Didier Drogba Foundation and the International Labour Orgnization (ILO), have shown unwavering commitment to protect and empower football players against the pervasive menace of fake agents.

Yvonne Kavere, a talented player from the Zetech Ladies Team, bravely shared her personal encounter with a fake agent.

“In my experience, I met a guy on Instagram who inboxed me and told me that he would be able to link me up to a team in West Africa where they had good pay. After 6 months, he had noted that he would link me up to go to Europe (Spain). I asked him to reach out to my team’s management, but he went mute, and after three days when I checked on DM, I found that he had blocked me,” reveals Kavere.

She encourages other professional players to be vigilant when approached by fake agents, by consulting KEFWA or reaching out to the Federation.

” I encourage them to always liaise with the Union or the Federation who can guide them on the appropriate agents. KEFWA is here to be our shield against these deceptive predators and I want to appreciate their commitment towards ensuring we professional footballers are enlightened on the campaign against fake agents. Many players lack the right channels to follow when approached by fake agents, but through the union, our safety is assured,” Yvonne noted resolutey.

On his part, renowned coach Benard Kitolo has amplified the call to vigilance, noting that there is a strong need to safeguard players’ futures by giving them protection and knowledge.

“The menace of fake agents has become prevalent in our league and as a coach, I have experienced situations where my players became victims. One of our players was approached by an agent who lured her into going to a foreign country and it was only when she was stuck that I became aware of the situation,” notes Kitolo, urging them to be more careful and professional.

“I urge players to be careful with fake agents. When they get an opportunity to go to another team or are approached for a transfer, they should let their management know upfront because they will still need release letters. Some of these agents often promise to take players to Europe and West Africa, but their intentions are far from noble,” added the tactics.