Kenya international David Owino Ambulu is set to join Taiwan champions, Tainan City FC next week after finalising talks with the Eastern Asian side.
The versatile Police FC star, who featured in their 3-0 win over Kakamega Homeboyz in the FKF Premier League on Saturday, will leave the country next week for Taipei.
The Laiser Hill alumnus, who has been nick-named the Kenyan Messi, has been in good form and says heading East is a big challenge that he has been looking forward to.
“It is every player’s wish to try new challenges and getting this opportunity to play football abroad makes me feel happy in anticipation of fresh challenges,” said Owino.
Despite heading to a new club, the speed merchant believes the cops are rejuvenated after halting their three-match losing streak with a convincing 3-0 victory over Homeboyz.
“We have responded well to the problems that faced at the club last year and we are only 13 points behind league leaders as we enter the second leg. Police can still challenge for the title by playing consistently.”
Owino, who formerly featured for Mathere United and KCB, believes his team-mates have ironed out their differences and are playing as a unit under new manager Salim Babu following the departure of Croatian tactician Zdravko Logarušić.
Coincidentally, it was the experienced players captain Musa Mohammed, Kenneth Muguna, and Tito Okello who were on target for the law enforcers and celebrated with an old man’s walking gesture—a move which Owino believes is a message to the critics, who had written them off as surplus to the team.
Police have a blend of experienced and young players who are angry for success and eager to represent Kenya in the CAF Continental events.
He said all coach Babu needs at the moment is time and harmony within the team to succeed.
Owino, 25, who graduated as a cop after training at Kiganjo Police College last year, also believes he’s now ripe for more Harambee Stars' call-ups after proving his prowess.
“I am now experienced enough to fit into any tactical play since I can play as an offensive, full-back, and in midfield. I am now ready to add to the only international cap that I have.”
While details of his contract duration couldn’t be confirmed before going to print, a Police FC insider said Owino talked to his bosses and has their blessings as far as the move is concerned.
The Kibera-born star heads to Taiwan club on January 15 and may as well have played his last game for the cops this season.
He, however, said that he remains a police officer and will fly the Kenyan flag high.
