- Joe Waithira has firmly defended his surprise off-season move to South Sudanese giants Jamus FC.
- The versatile attacker joined Jamus FC riding high on a stellar domestic season where he won the SportPesa League Players’ Player of the Year award and clinched the Golden Boot with 19 goals.
- His explosive form as the former Murang’a Seal captain had ignited an intense transfer tug-of-war back home, attracting strong interest from Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards among other international clubs.
Kenyan international Joseph Waithira has revealed the driving forces behind his surprise move to South Sudanese powerhouse Jamus FC, rejecting several offers locally and abroad to embrace what he describes as the best challenge for his career.
Speaking during the pre-match press conference at the Amahoro Stadium press conference ahead of Jamus FC’s final CECAFA Kagame Cup group fixture against Mogadishu City Club on Friday afternoon, the versatile attacker, who arrived in Juba in the off season window firmly shut down any second-guessing regarding his decision to join the club .
“My choice to come to Jamus was driven by a desire for a new and exciting challenge,” Waithira stated confidently. “Despite having many offers on the table, I felt joining Jamus was a decision I wouldn’t regret and I certainly don’t. The reception here has been wonderful, and I appreciate it deeply.”
ALSO READ SportPesa League Golden Boot winner Waithira grateful after record-breaking season
Joe Waithira Kenyan connection at Jamus SC
Waithera credited the connection inside the Jamus dressing room for making him feel instantly at home.
Key to his rapid integration is the presence of former KCB defender Haniff Wesonga, alongside South Sudanese international winger Paul Jawa, a familiar face who spent the vast majority of his football career in Kenya terrorizing defenses with Kariobangi Sharks.
“The team welcomed me warmly, and having my fellow Kenyan players around makes a huge difference,” Waithira explained. “We interact constantly, and they push me to elevate my performance. They are all doing their best, and honestly, they make me feel right at home here.”
ALSO READ Waithira dedicates SportPesa League Player of the Month award to fallen fan in touching tribute
The 2025/26 season Sportpesa League players player of the year has been greatly impressed by Tunisian’ head coach Ben Jabria just a few weeks of training into his career abroad.
“The squad is incredibly optimistic about the progress we are making under him,” Waithira remarked. “As for the coach, his input has been immense. He demands a lot from us, but what he is doing behind the scenes is marvelous. It’s a level of coaching I’ve honestly never experienced before.”
Jamus FC currently sits in a prime position to advance to the knockout stages of the regional tournament. A decisive result against Mogadishu City will cement their semi-final slot,a feat Waithira is desperate to deliver for the travelling fans.
“Tomorrow’s match is going to be one of the toughest we will face. Our fans are counting on us,some have even traveled long distances to be here and the best way we can show our appreciation is by delivering victory,” he said.
The former Murang’a Seal captain was the undisputed star of the SportPesa League last season, clinching the Golden Boot as the top scorer with 19 goals and earning the accolade as the Players’ Player of the Year.
His explosive form ignited an intense transfer tug-of-war back home, with traditional giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards making aggressive attempts to secure his signature before he ultimately joined Jamus.