Nairobi City Stars’ defensive midfielder Clifford Otieno believes they have punched well above their weight compared to last season.
Reflecting on the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season, Otieno acknowledged his early struggles and his ambitions.
Otieno remained confident that the second-placed team in the league have since turned the corner.
The former Migori Youth midfielder made a cameo appearance in game one against Muhoroni Youth at Kasarani Annex.
He then went on to become an unused substitute in the next seven games before returning to the starting lineup in game nine against Muranga Seals.
He has gone on to start all games thereafter, completing all save for two against AFC Leopards and Kariobangi Sharks.
“My season started on a low note. That forced me to work tirelessly to regain my place in the first team. It has not been easy because I also had tough and determined teammates who were also eager to own the same position,” he told the club’s website.
He added: “My target this season is to fight for a national team call-up and attract some reasonable offers outside the country.”
Otieno believes Simba wa Nairobi’s current crop of players is a lot more promising than last season.
“So far, we have a better team compared to the last season. Simba Wa Nairobi is now made up of a young and energetic group who are working together as a unit. It’s a group that’s ready to learn and demand more from each other,” he noted.
He attributed the team’s upward mobility to coaching. “We are giving out positive results due to our able technical bench led by (Nicholas) Muyoti who has been demanding a lot from us as a team. That push has brought about a massive difference in results compared to last season,” he added
The midfielder has so far featured in 11 games this season, clocking 870 minutes. Overall, his premier league games have now improved to 39.