Kenyan footballer (born 2002)
Josephat Lopaga (born 12 August 2002) is a Kenyan professional footballer who plays as a striker.[1]
Early life
Born in Baragoi, Lopaga spent his early years in Maralal, later living as a "street kid", moving between Nyahururu, Nakuru and Nairobi.[2] He joined a homeless rehabilitation programme and began playing football.[2]
Club career
Lopaga began playing for Shy Football Academy, before signing for Gor Mahia in 2017.[2] He moved to Mt Kenya United in 2019, later signing for Posta Rangers.[2][3]
After a spell with A.F.C. Leopards,[4] he signed for Omani club Dhofar in February 2023.[5][6]
He signed for Belarusian club Dynamo Brest in August 2023,[7][8][9] scoring his first goal for the club in his second match.[10][11] He later said he wanted to score more goals for the club.[12] He also said that his new teammate Cédric Kouadio was helping him settling in.[13]
In July 2024, he moved on loan to Naftan Novopolotsk.[14] He was released by Dynamo Brest in December 2024.[15]
International career
Lopaga has played for the Kenya under-17 and under-23 teams.[2][13]
In June 2024, he was called-up to the Kenya senior team for the first team.[16]
References