By Fredrick Nadulli aka Razor,
The old adage,form is temporary class is permanent,still religiously holds forte as far as sport is concerned.Top players the world over experience a slump in form from time to time in their careers,more so after lengthy lay-offs.
Injury is the worst yet unavoidable nightmare in the life of a sportsperson.It is one of the hazards of the rigorous profession.Brazilian superstar Ronaldo Lima called time on his glittering career courtesy of a nagging injury.Other legends have gone the same route and disappeared without a trace.
Closer home,the name Anthony Kimani comes to the fore.’Modo’,as he is affectionately referred to by his peers,has been sidelined almost the entire season.A rock in the AFC Leopards defence,the Kenya international,true to his rigid work ethic and professional mien,has been toiling overtime behind the scenes to complete his rehabilitation and get himself fully fit,ready to continue where he left off.Undoubtedly,this is sweet music to the ears of Leopards faithful.
Captain of the title winning Mathare United side in 2008,Modo was part of the Harambee Stars squad under coach Francis Kimanzi that hoisted Kenya to its highest ever FIFA ranking,at 68 globally.
An astute stopper,he featured alongside Edgar Ochieng and George Owino in a watertight rearguard that kept Europe based household names like Pascal Feindouno(Bordeaux & Guinea)and Benjani Mwaruwari(Manchester City & Zimbabwe)firmly under lock and key.
He neutralised other top African centreforwards.For a man who thrives on keeping strikers in shackles,the injury has been a boring chapter in his otherwise fine book.
Soka25east.com tracked down the eloquent defender to his humble origins in search of answers in this no-holds barred interview.
Soka25:Anthony,you have been out almost an entire season now.What are your feelings about this
AK:Well it has been a difficult period for me but with the help of my family,friends and the Ingwe fraternity,I’ve been able to weather the turbulent storm.
Soka25:AFC Leopards are languishing in unfamiliar territory in the TPL league.How badly have they missed you
AK:Its true we are not where we should be as a team but I wouldn’t attribute that to my absence.I think we have one of the teams that boast a good depth in the league at the moment.
Soka25:Keen observers say the void you left has not been completely filled
AK:We have like for like replacements in all departments.
Soka25:Mathare United won the league in 2008 with you as captain.Take us back then
AK:Leading Mathare to the league crown has and will always be one of the highlights of my chequered career.It was a great and special feeling to be the first skipper to bring the coveted trophy home.At one time the club had great captains,the likes of Francis Kimanzi,John Kureshi,Fredrick Nadduli,Wycliff Juma,Titus Mulama and Edgar Ochieng.So I feel honoured for my name to be mentioned in the same breath as these legends.
Soka25:The 2008 team you led was good no doubt.How did it compare to the so-called golden generation that was star studded but failed to lift the championship
AK:The golden Mathare generation was one of if not the best team thats ever been assembled in Kenya.They introduced a whole new chapter of flawless passing to the league,akin to the latin ‘tiki taka’.They had this ability to keep the ball then attack with speed and precision.Comparing ourselves to that class would be an overstatement.They simply inspired us.How they failed to clinch the league title still baffles me.
Soka25:You left United as skipper to join AFC Leopards in a move that raised eyebrows.What prompted you to decamp
AK:I had gotten to a point where I felt I needed a new challenge in my career inorder to keep growing as a player.We all know that life starts at the end of your comfort zone.I was worried that I was slipping into the comfort zone.Since Ingwe was one of the teams I admired as a youngster,it was the next apparent destination.
Soka25:Diehard Mathare fans labelled it betrayal.Did those sentiments bother you
AK:Far from it.And honestly the fans I bumped into pointed out that I served the club loyally besides wishing me well at AFC.I must however admit that were it not for Mathare United I would not be where I am today.I am and will always be grateful to them for nurturing me.
Soka25:Anthony you are a deeply religious man.How true do family values hold in the life of a footballer
AK:The journey of a sportsman is full of ups and downs and as such requires a solid foundation.I believe you can only get that special support and unconditional love from family.
Soka25:You came through the youth ranks.How important is the youth system to an aspiring footballer
AK:This is a critical stage of player development and a phase where careers are either made or broken.This is the platform where pro wannabes learn their expectations in terms of self-discipline etc.
Soka25:You played in international youth tournaments across Europe.What was the experience like
AK:It was priceless exposure to be out there competing with peers from other countries,a mixture of sporting cultures.It was an eye-opening experience that really helped me expand my horizons.
Soka25:Your club has seen a massive turnover of coaches,with little success.What ails AFC Leopards
AK:I would be dishonest if I said I knew what ails Ingwe.What I know for sure is that we have one of the best squads around.
Soka25:Leopards is one of a few clubs with sound financial backing yet you arent perfoming.Gor Mahia your sworn enemies are in the red but doing exceedingly well.Why the glaring contrast
AK:We will bounce back.Take that to the bank.
Soka25:Bouncing back from injury is a dicey affair.Do you think you will attain your previous high heights
AK:Coming back from injury is never easy but I’ve been lucky to have a dedicated Physiotherapist(Ngusale)who has worked tirelessly to ensure I make a strong comeback.Am also determined to overcome this hurdle.
Soka25:Break down the metamorphosis of a footballer
AK:Footballers are some of the luckiest and unluckiest people around.It depends on which side your coin lands.They’re lucky because they get paid indulging in their pastime and unlucky because its one of the shortest careers.Sustaining a serious injury makes it even shorter.
Soka25:Besides being a top pro,you have done your academics well.How important are studies post playing years
AK:Its vital to invest in studies while still playing,to enable a smooth transition when your legs are gone.
Soka25:What drives you
AK:The desire to compete among the elite and be able to stand out.The fact that am able to inspire a few kids out there and be a good role model is an added impetus.
Soka25:Some of your former international mates like Edgar Ochieng,George Owino,Duncan Ochieng and John Baraza have kept the flame alight.What powers the ambition of these elder statesmen of Kenyan football
AK:Discipline is paramount in football and I believe its why they have been able to compete at the top level for a long time.
Soka25:You played alongside these guys in the Harambee Stars,when Kenya swept all before them.Since then it has been a downward spiral.When did the rain start beating Kenya
AK:There is no doubt this country has talented players full of potential.Continuity is an important aspect in football.That cannot be gain said.As a country we have lacked that.Knee jerk reactions have meant coaches have come and gone like day following night.
Soka25:How would you rate the growth of league football in Kenya over the last five years of television coverage.On a scale of 1-10
AK:There is no doubt this country has talented players full of potential.The only hiccup was that in yesteryears they had no avenue or window to showcase their skills and expose themselves to a wider appeal.All this has changed following the partnership of KPL and pay channel Supersport.It was long overdue.On a scale of 1-10,I’d say 8.
Soka25:We will keep close track of your recovery and imminent return to top flight action Anthony
AK:My pleasure..
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