Tanzanian defender Stephen Bulugu has completed a move to NBC Premier League side Coastal Union, after ending his two-year stay at Nairobi City Stars.
The versatile defender has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at the Tanga-based club until August 2028.Bulugu returns to his country of birth after spending the past four years in Kenyan football.
He first joined Muhoroni Youth before earning a move to Nairobi City Stars in 2024 when the club was still in the FKF Premier League. Capable of playing at left back and left-sided centre back, he remained with City Stars following their relegation to the National Super League (NSL) and captained the side on several occasions. He became a key figure under coach Salim Babu, who converted him into a centre back after identifying his strong defensive qualities.
The defender reflected on his time in Kenya, describing it as the country that shaped both his football career and personal growth.”Kenya will always have a special place in my heart because it is where I truly developed as a footballer and as a person. I arrived with raw talent and big dreams, and through hard work, guidance, and opportunities, I have grown into a better player. I am grateful to everyone who believed in me, although I still believe my journey has only just begun.”
The defender also paid tribute to Muhoroni Youth, the club that first gave him an opportunity outside Tanzania.”I came to Kenya when I was only 16 years old with one dream: to play football and build a career. Muhoroni Youth opened the door for me when many others did not see my potential. They never made things difficult; they simply trusted me and allowed me to play. That faith changed things. I became so connected to the country and its people that, at one point, I even thought about changing my citizenship.”The Wagosi wa Kaya have maintained strong links with Kenyan football over the years.
The club was coached last season by current Mathare United head coach David Owino, while John Makwata, Hassan Abdallah, Sosthenes Idah, and Bernard Mwalala are among the Kenyans who have represented the team. They finished 11th in the 16-team NBC Premier League last season .