Kenya’s reigning EAFC national champion Harry Kappa has secured a historic professional move to Moroccan side Renaissance Club Athletic Zemamra, marking a major breakthrough for Kenyan esports.

The 20-year-old Thika-born star becomes the first Kenyan player to sign a professional esports contract abroad a landmark achievement for the country’s fast-growing gaming industry.

Kappa will feature in Morocco’s eBotola League, currently the only fully professional esports league in Africa.

Even more significantly, the top two players in the competition earn direct qualification to the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled for July 2026 placing the Kenyan within reach of the biggest global stage in competitive gaming.

Over the past two years, Kappa has steadily risen through the ranks, representing Kenya in international tournaments in Saudi Arabia, Rwanda and South Africa.

He previously turned out for local esports outfits including eHub Gamers, Horizon Esports and Plug N Play Esports.

Speaking after finalising the deal, an elated Kappa said the opportunity was proof that “hard work and prayer can open doors.”

“Now I am focused on giving my best at the biggest stage and announcing not only myself but my nation to the world,” he said, thanking his management agency IndexG Esports and the Esports Kenya Federation.

Esports Kenya President Ronny Lusigi hailed the move as a sign of growing local talent and institutional support.

“Kappa’s progress demonstrates that talent is in abundance in Kenya. We have full confidence in him,” Lusigi said, also acknowledging sponsors 82 Sports for their support.

The eBotola League is expected to feature top African competitors, including Morocco’s Youssef “xcharifx” Charif, Senegal’s Mamadou “Dexx” Thiam and defending champion Aymane “Fakhr” Ouardi.

Kappa is set to depart for Casablanca on February 20, 2026, ahead of the league’s kick-off on February 26. The competition will run until April 25, 2026.