City Stars’ defensive midfielder thrilled to make comeback after missing whole of last season

Nairobi City Stars defensive midfielder Ronney Kola is thrilled to be fit and fully running once again ahead of the new 2022/2023 Football Kenya Federation Premier League campaign after failing to feature in any league game for the whole of last season owing to injury.

Having featured in an unfamiliar centre back position over the weekend as his side defeated Gor Mahia 3-1 in a pre-season friendly match, Kola, expressed his delight in getting minutes under his belt as he hoped to stay fit for the upcoming season kicking on Saturday 19 November. 

“I am happy that I managed the task at hand on the day. I pray for an injury-free season as I hope to earn many games. It was a very good game but at first, I was very nervous. It was my first tough game as a center back, my first game at Nyayo, and the first ever against Gor Mahia. Slowly, I settled into the game since I believe in myself and I know my capabilities,” the player is quoted on the club’s website.

After his performance, head coach Nicholas Muyoti was left impressed as he pointed the areas he needs to improve moving forward.

“He did very well. His composure and confidence was top notch. Generally, he was very impressive and fitted very well as a centre-back. He however needs to work on his speed and insight,” said head coach.

According to statistics provided by Tisini, a composed Kola, other than doing a center-backs role, strung 43 (of 46) complete passes that equate to 93% success rate as he built play from the back.

Due to injury, Kola is the only City Stars player that failed to feature in any premier league game last season. He will be hoping that will be a thing of the past as he has now fully recovered and has so far featured in 11 of 18 friendly games.

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