Wanjala calls on top flight clubs to consider players in the lower leagues

Tusker goalkeeper Michael Wanjala has challenged clubs that ply their trade in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) to cast their nets deeper into the lower tiers and catch raw talents which are going to waste thanks to lack of exposure. 

The youthful goalkeeper was unheard of until the former champions acquired his signature in August 2019 from Division One outfit Bungoma Superstars, a move the club is currently reaping its dividends. 

His arrival at the Ruaraka based club was seen as a move to inject competition in the goalkeeping department and build him for the future but the player christened as Mwana has so far surpassed if not lived up to the expectations. 

The former pupil at Kanduyi Primary School has defied his league inexperience to make a host of league starts this season ahead of Rwandese international Emery Mvuyekure and the experienced Harambee Stars trialist Robert Mboya. 

Wanjala who is the only goalkeeper in the competition who has an assist against his name this season reckons that there are outstanding players in the lower and grassroots leagues and called on top clubs to widen their scope when shopping for players. 

"As a player who has played in the Lowe leagues, I can confidently say there are talented players down there who deserve to be rubbing shoulders with the best up here. Top-flight clubs have a high affinity for experienced players but they should also blend them with youthful ones. I am a living testimony that players in the so called 'small leagues' are talented enough to perform in the senior league, " he said 

Wanjala, a staunch Manchester United fan hailed the club's goalkeeper trainer and retired Kenyan international Duncan Ochieng for helping him shed stage fright and adapt in the league with ease. 

"Ochieng played in the league for more than ten years before hanging his gloves. I count myself lucky to train under his watch. He is a humble trainer whose guidance helped me to settle here and improve on my shortcomings," added Wanjala.

The Namachanja Secondary School alumnus in the meantime looking forward to firing the brewers to their 12th league title. Tusker comfortably sits at the summit with 35 points, none ahead of second-placed KCB. 

"The club has gone for almost five years without a trophy and one of the ingredients of making to the podium is keeping clean sheets. I am ready whenever called upon to assist the team in fighting for trophies," he added.