How a visit to South Sudan revitalized Shikokoti's career

When former Tusker and Harambee Stars defender Joseph Shikokoti arrived in South Sudan last year on December 28, he never envisaged himself plying his trade in the country’s top flight.

The towering defender who was a free agent by then flew to Juba with a sole aim of boosting his fitness ahead of the opening of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) mid-season transfer window on January 25.

Shikokoti alongside a handful of other players were rendered club-less in November last year after Ushuru went under at a time when the transfer window had already closed.

The 36-year old player had joined the taxmen the same month after being hit by the July purge at Nairobi Stima which swept all the players following the financial turmoil occasioned by the withdrawal of shirt sponsorship by the Kenya Power and Lighting Company.

Shikokoti was however lucky to land an invitation from Kenyan-born Altabara FC head coach Michael Nam to train with the Juba based club before jetting back to find a new home either in the FKF or NSL.

Barely a week after joining the Altabara camp, the former AFC Leopards man impressed and won himself a six-month contract.

Altabara's decision to 'gift' Shikokoti a lifeline in his career paid off handsomely as the central defender was instrumental in helping the club to claim the Juba Local Football Association Cup which saw them book a slot in the next edition of the Caf Confederations Cup.

“Unfortunately, Ushuru was disbanded when the local transfer window had been closed leaving a host of players and I stranded. Coach Nam invited me to Altabara to keep fit in anticipation for offers from FKFPL and NSL clubs in the January transfer window. After watching me for a week, the club handed me a six-month long contract and so far so good for me,” he revealed in a telephone interview

The veteran defender who dreams of ending his career in Kenya lifted the lid on the difference between Kenyan football and that of South Sudan. He said despite the league being ten years old, the level of competition is sky-high and fans spice it more by filling the facilities to the rafters on match days. The league is currently suspended following the soaring numbers of coronavirus cases in the country.

“I always want to hang my boots at home but anything is possible. I still have a few years remaining before I call it a day and therefore I am open to offers. South Sudan league is competitive just like in Kenya. Fans here love coach Nam and have high regards for his professionalism,” he added

Besides having Shikokoti in their books, Altabara boasts of having three other Kenyan players; Lazo Simba who joined the club from Mathare United, former Vihiga United defender Tera Fernandez and seasoned goalkeeper Lucas Indeche.