Harambee Stars midfielder Anthony 'Teddy' Akumu has revealed the highest amount of money he earned during his professional football career, with his spell at South African giants Kaizer Chiefs emerging as his most lucrative package.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe unattached midfielder joined the Amakhosi at the end of 2019 on a three-and-a-half-year contract, having made the switch from Zambian giants Zesco United. TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Guinea outfoxed Harambee Stars to leave them winless in 2027 AFCON QualifiersAlthough his time in South Africa ended with a year remaining on his deal, Akumu says the move represented a major financial breakthrough in his career.“Playing in South Africa still remains my most lucrative offer because they started with a monthly salary of Ksh1.5 million,” he revealed.##NAJAVA_MECA_10003031##The salary was a significant jump from what Akumu had been earning at Zesco, where he was taking home Ksh300,000 per month.“When my contract was about to run out in Zambia, Kaizer Chiefs approached me with an offer I couldn’t refuse. Harambee Starlets striker scores hat-trick on debut for Maltese clubWhen Zesco got wind of my intention to move, they offered me Ksh500,000 per month, but they still could not match what the South African club were offering, and so I had to leave,” says Akumu.His financial package at Chiefs was not limited to his monthly salary. Akumu also secured a Ksh24 million signing-on fee, which was structured to be paid over the three-year period.##NAJAVA_MECA_9999608##“Every year, I received Ksh8 million, half of which was paid in February and the other half in September. The money was paid only twice since by the third year, we agreed to part ways with months to go,” he said.Akumu's rise in earnings was significant when compared to where his professional journey began in Kenya.Former Gor Mahia midfielder sends message to Benni McCarthy after joining Tanzanian outfitThe former Gor Mahia midfielder started out earning just Ksh10,000 per month at the record Kenyan champions. By the time he left the club three years later, his salary had increased sixfold before his move to Sudanese side Al Khartoum.“My starting salary at Gor Mahia was Ksh10,000 per month, but by the time I left three years later, it had gone up by six times but the first big money I ever earned was in Sudan, which opened the possibility for even bigger earnings.”##NAJAVA_MECA_10000237##The move to Al Khartoum saw Akumu earn Ksh200,000 per month before his subsequent switch to Zesco, where his salary rose to Ksh300,000.Beyond football, Akumu says he has also been deliberate about investing his earnings, particularly in real estate.Livid McCarthy fingers ‘incompetent and arrogant’ referee after Harambee Stars’ loss to GuineaAkumu is currently unattached as he continues to look for his next club.
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