Islamdine Halifa, Ethan Kena-Kabeya and Chamsedin Kouranfal are competing for the Ligue 2 BKT Pepite of the Month award for September, with the three young players representing Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Morocco.
The nominees have made their mark in different ways. Halifa has grown in influence in midfield for Red Star, Kena-Kabeya is working to establish himself in Clermont Foot’s defence, while Kouranfal has made a remarkable rise from Regional 1 football to Stade de Reims’ Ligue 2 squad.
At 21, Comoros midfielder Halifa has become a regular presence in Red Star’s engine room. Used as a defensive midfielder, he contributes through his energy, availability and ability to help his side build attacks.
He started all three of Red Star’s Ligue 2 matches in September and played a decisive role in their victory at Guingamp, providing both assists in the game. His ability to combine defensive work with forward movement has increased his importance within the team.
Halifa’s market value is estimated at 700,000 euros by Transfermarkt.
Kena-Kabeya, 20, is regarded as one of the young players Clermont Foot hope to develop for the future. Born in 2006, the right-footed central defender was trained at Chateauroux before joining Clermont in 2024.
He spent time on loan at FC Villefranche Beaujolais, gaining regular playing experience and greater exposure to the demands of senior football. He returned to Clermont aiming to secure a place in Ligue 2, and the club showed its confidence in him by extending his contract until 2028 in August.
His nomination reflects a progression built on defensive consistency rather than attacking numbers. Each appearance, duel won and match played represents another stage in his development as a professional footballer. His estimated market value is also 700,000 euros.
Kouranfal’s route to the shortlist has been the most unexpected. The 20-year-old Stade de Reims midfielder moved from Pagny-sur-Moselle in Regional 1 to Ligue 2 within a matter of weeks.
He scored on his Ligue 2 debut against Annecy, making an immediate impact in professional football. During September, he played 162 minutes, scored once, was named in the team of the week for matchday six and reached a top speed of 34.6 km/h against Montpellier.
Kouranfal’s rapid rise has made him one of the players to watch in Stade de Reims’ midfield. His story underlines how quickly an opportunity can transform a player’s career when it is seized.
The three nominees are all aged 20 or 21 and each has an estimated market value of 700,000 euros. Their contrasting journeys highlight the growing presence of young talent from Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Morocco in Ligue 2 BKT.