Budding Nairobi City Stars' left-back Rogers Wasega says he has settled and is ready for the 2024/25 FKF Premier League season.
Wasega, who joined Simba wa Nairobi from Laiser Hill Academy in February, believes he has shaken off the high school tag after rubbing shoulders with the big boys in the Premier League.
“At the beginning, training was somehow very exhausting because I was only used to light training. I experienced a whole new challenge due to the intensity compared to what I got in high school,” said the teenager.
Wasega made it to matchday squads against Shabana, Bandari and Gor Mahia. “Sitting on the bench in those games gave me a hint of what the top flight is all about. Even without getting to the pitch, you feel it’s a whole new experience,” said Wasega.
He also made it to five other match-day squads against Bidco United, Kenya Police, Tusker, Nzoia Sugar and Kakamega Homeboyz.
After those eight appearances, his planned debut in the penultimate game of the season against Sofapaka in Dandora failed to materialise after he cut his finger from a broken glass.
“During the final days of the season, I had adapted to the system but unfortunately I couldn’t get a chance to make that debut,” he said.
He added: “I am now more than ready for the upcoming season. I believe I am going to be the main character in the team. Expect lots of assists from me.”
In missing the opportunity to make his debut last season, Wasega became the only player besides keeper Julius Ombacho not to feature for Simba wa Nairobi.
A total of 28 players were featured across the season including nine top-flight debutants including defender Wycliffe Omondi, midfielders Brian Mzee, Abuyeka Kubasu and Shem Odinga.
Others are forwards Robinson Asenwa, Gilbert Abala, Brian Mose Nyamban and Yuto Kusaba, as well as keeper Byron Owino.
Though with prior premiership experience, keeper Edwin Mukolwe and centre-back Sosthenes Idah also earned their debuts with Simba wa Nairobi last season.