Our Story

Baboucarr Njie

Growing up in Gambia, Babou developed his love for soccer at a young age. He considered the sport as a getaway, keeping him out of trouble, and giving him a dream of becoming a professional player. His mother moved to the United States when he was still a boy so he was raised by his grandmother until his mom could bring him to the U.S. He continued playing soccer and eventually joined the North Carolina Wesleyan Battling Bishops. He began cooking as a freshman in college and continued growing his passion for West African food until meeting Koze at Phoenix Rising FC where they combined their culinary skills to start Babou and Koze’s Kitchen.

Irakoze Donasiyano

Born in Tanzania, Koze played barefoot soccer through out his early years. After moving to Virginia in 2007 he tried other sports like wrestling but soccer remained a clear favorite. He had lots of success playing with his local club and was recruited by the University of Virginia where he was part of a historic national championship run. After being drafted by MLS side Nashville SC in 2021 he was sent on loan to Pheonix Rising where he met Babou. He had learned cooking as a child out of necesity but Babou taught him the recipes they use together in the kitchen today. He can recall the first time he made a meal for his family was when he prepared rice and beans for his parents after a long day of farming but he really developed his passion for food along with Babou to create Babou and Koze’s Kitchen.