Augustine Kuta: Kenyan Footballer Turned Entrepreneur Excels on the Pitch and in the Boot Business

• Augustine Kuta is a Kenyan footballer who plays for Talanta FC in the FKF Premier League
• The midfielder runs Kuta Collections, a business selling football boots in Nairobi, Kenya
• Kuta has played for Palos FC, Western Stima, Mathare United and Nairobi City Stars

Augustine Kuta is a Kenyan professional footballer who plays for FC Talanta in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

Apart from excelling on the field, Kuta has successfully ventured into selling football boots in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya.

Fondly known as Ucho, short form for Gaucho (Ronaldinho), Kuta is a father of two who refined his football at Moi University, Kesses, Uasin Gishu County.

Since 2013, he has played for prominent football clubs in Kenya, including Vihiga All-Stars, Palos FC and Nairobi Stima in the lower leagues.

In the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, Kuta boasts of donning the colours of Mathare United, Western Stima, Nairobi City Stars and FC Talanta.

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Football

His promising football career faced a significant setback in 2019 when a knee injury led to surgery. Star Sports reported that the subsequent termination of his contract with Western Stima in February 2020 added to his challenges during his recovery.

During this trying time, Kuta turned his attention to a business venture he had envisioned in his university days. He established Kuta Collections with a friend, a small Nairobi business specializing in selling football boots.

He returned to the playing scene in late 2022 with a brief stint at Mathare United before eventually signing for FKF Premier League side Nairobi City Stars in February 2022, as reported on the club's website.

Speaking exclusively to Sports Brief, Kuta shared his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit story.

"I had a friend whom we had a dream of doing business with back on campus, and having acquired a Business Management Degree, he introduced me to this idea. Having brushed shoulders and interacted with many professional footballers in the Kenyan league, we saw it smart (to start)," Kuta narrates.

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Football

Selling football boots in Kenya has challenges, as players are selective about their footwear. Using his extensive network in the top-tier leagues, Kuta engages players to understand their preferences. He also conducts thorough research, watching matches from major leagues and interacting with players to stay updated on trends.

“I talk with players on the phone, and they explain what appeals to most of them. This detail is what I use to make orders to my supplier. Also, I watch a lot of English Premier League, La Liga and the Italian league (Serie A) to identify what’s trending,” he says.

His boots cater to the specific needs of footballers, considering factors like playing surface and weather conditions. He recognizes the importance of good customer service, ensuring timely deliveries and offering special discounts to loyal customers.

"Unlike the old ones, modern football boots are a little bit lighter in weight. Back in the day, different weather conditions and playing surfaces weren’t factored in during manufacturing,” explains Kuta.

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Football

Despite challenges like high supply and low demand due to player wages in Kenyan leagues, the player remains optimistic about the potential for growth in the football boot business.

According to him, the football boot business in the country has the potential to thrive, because interest in the sport is significant.

He plans to expand his venture to inspire more footballers to reach the pinnacle of success, either on the field or through the boots he provides.

“Good customer service, that’s what it’s all about. I deliver on time and stay loyal to my prices and customers. I also offer I offer special discounts to regular customers once in a while,” he says.

FKF Premier League return

Sports Brief was on point to report on the resumption of the FKF Premier League after the long festive break.

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