Nairobi City Stars' winger Gilbert Abala is excited after making his debut in a recent match against Kenya Police.
The teenager earned his place in the starting squad for the first time in the top flight after three previous cameo appearances.
“This is my first time in the Kenyan premier league and I am still navigating through it as I work towards settling in fully. I had my debut against Muhoroni and went on to miss some games. I returned to the squad on Match Day Four and went on to earn my first start against Police,” he said.
Abala added: "I hope to build upon it to become a regular starter, and a full game player as we go along,” he added
Abala joined Simba wa Nairobi in the offseason from Busia-based club Teens of Hope. He previously turned out for Busia Sugar FC in the lower leagues.
Meanwhile, Wycliffe Omondi is raring to go after breaking into the Nairobi City Stars squad at the start of the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season.
Omondi was brought in from the second-tier side Migori Youth FC in the offseason and has so far clocked six full 90-minute games since the start of the new season.
“I was in the National Super League where I featured for Migori Youth for just one season before joining City Stars. I am currently enjoying myself to the fullest. The premier league is tougher competition than the Sper League because one can not afford one mistake,” said the former Migori Youth captain.
“But even then, I wish to give my best and make it count for Simba wa Nairobi,” added the soft-spoken defender.
Omondi made his debut, a full one at number 5, in the season opener against Muhoroni Youth on August 27 at Kasarani Annex, and came out as the Man of the Match after winning 75 percent aerial duels, with a pass rate from the deep of over 78 percent according to statistics provided by Tisini.
He had nine massive clearances as City Stars went on to register a clean sheet in the game that ended 0-0.