Nzoia Sugar United coach Bernard Mwalala says the wealth of talented youthful players in the team is their greatest strength.
Mwalala told kpl.co.ke that unlike the other three clubs that were promoted into the top flight last season, who went out to shop for experienced players, Nzoia retained a majority of their squad that is mainly composed of youngsters itching to prove themselves.
“Most of the players we have here are young. Very few are over 30 years. That allows us to have the pace that is lacking in many teams in the Premier League right now. Besides, the hard work and extra effort that we put in training, I think this is our greatest strength,” Mwalala said.
Nzoia United stunned reigning champions Tusker 5-2 in their opening match of the 2017 league season and followed this up with a hard earned draw against 2008 champions Tusker to post notice they will be no slouches in this league.
And remember, they topped the 2016 Football Kenya Federation National Super League with an impressive unbeaten run of 31 matches under Mwalala that was broken late, late in the season by former top league side Nakuru All Stars.
Some of the exciting young players in the team are defender Brian Otieno, forward Elvis Rupia,midfielder Boniface Omondi and goalkeeper Benson Mangala.
Mwalala attributed Nzoia’s good run so far to a sense of belief and confidence that the team built throughout last year.
“This team has had to wait to come into the top flight for a long time, and their primary aim is to remain here at the end of the season.
“I think what has propelled us is the confidence that we acquired by the good run we had last year in the NSL. The players believed in themselves and I can see that they brought that belief into the top flight.
“We are, however, not getting carried away. I know this league is very competitive and so even though we haven’t lost any game, we know that is a possibility that we will have to deal with. We want to be able to fight it out with the other teams. We have our strengths and we will use them,” the former Kenya international said.
