A bid by a leading Kenyan midfielder Austin Makacha to join the paid ranks in the Czech Republic has hit a snag after the European country’s embassy here denied him a visa. Makacha, who turns out for top local league club, Mathare United, and the senior national team, Harambee Stars, was at a loss Sunday as to why he was denied the visa. Makacha and another Kenyan Kevin Obwaka were to undergo trials at Czech club FK Most. Makacha landed a three-month trial invitation with the FK Most senior team, while Obwaka, who was invited for a two-week trial at the club’s youth side, Most Youth Academy, got his visa and flew out to the Czech Republic.
The Czech Embassy here remained tight lipped on the issue, sticking to diplomatic traditions of treating matters pertaining to visa applications confidential. For now, Makacha must clear the visa hurdle to join the 12 Kenyan soccer professionals plying their trade in Europe.
