Gor Mahia winger Shariff Musa has shared the heartbreaking story behind his 2025/26 FKF Premier League triumph, revealing that his league winners’ medal was dedicated to his late brother, Salim Musa.
In an emotional message posted on Facebook, Musa disclosed that before the season began, he made a special pact with his brother. Salim, who was battling addiction, promised to turn his life around if Musa could win the FKF Premier League title and bring home a winners’ medal.
“Before the season started, I had a bet with my brother Salim. He told me, ‘Bring me a winner’s league medal, then I will quit my addiction.’ I embraced the challenge because I wanted to see the best version of my brother,” Musa wrote.
According to the Gor Mahia forward, his brother honoured that promise. However, tragedy struck before they could celebrate the achievement together.
“He stopped his addiction. He kept his word, right? But he kept his word in death,” Musa revealed.
The winger also opened up about the immense emotional burden he carried throughout the season, explaining that while fans and critics judged his performances on the pitch, few understood the personal pain he was enduring away from football.
“I buried him, and the same day I buried him, I travelled back to go and play. I didn’t have the time to mourn my brother because I had a debt to clear, but I mourned him every time I stepped on that field,” he said.
Despite the grief, Musa continued to fight for his team throughout the campaign, helping Gor Mahia secure the league title and ultimately fulfilling the promise he had made to his brother.
Reflecting on the emotional journey, the winger said winning the championship meant far more than football success.
“At the end of it all, I got him his medal. The only thing I know is that I kept my word. Salim Musa, goodbye my brother, goodbye my friend, goodbye my fan. I now let you go. Rest, Champ.”
Musa’s tribute has touched football fans across Kenya, with many praising his strength, dedication, and determination to honour his brother’s memory despite enduring one of the most difficult periods of his life.
The story serves as a powerful reminder that behind every footballer is a personal journey often unseen by supporters, and that some victories carry a meaning far greater than trophies and medals.
