Kenyan duo off to France for trials
Two Kenyan Premier League players have left the country for France where they are set to undergo trials.
Sofapaka wingback Thomas Wanyama and Mathare United midfielder Kevin Kimani are reported to have left for Europe where they are set to undergo trials at several clubs including Auxerre.
Sofapaka management confirmed to SuperSport.com on Thursday that Wanyama had left for the trials accompanied by Kimani.
“Wanyama will be away for the next one month and his agent is very optimistic about his chances. He was singled out because he has pace, is still very young and has the potential to develop even further,” said Jimmy Ambajo.
The general manager added that they had no problems releasing him for trials, “We are fully supportive because it would do wonders to his career and also benefit not just him but the country as a whole.”
“One of the objectives of this club is to give the players a chance to fulfill their potential and turning pro abroad would be a big step for him. It would also put our club up there because we want to have an input and producing players who are good enough for Europe will show that we are doing something right.”
Should he be successful, Wanyama will follow in the footsteps of his elder brothers who already ply their trade in Europe.
MacDonald Mariga plays for Italian giants Inter Milan and almost moved to Manchester City in January this year. The energetic midfielder has previously played for Parma and Swedish side Helsinborgs.
His other brother; Victor Mugabe plays for Germinal Beerschot in Belgium. Both brothers were on duty when the national team played Uganda in an 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier early this month.
The third brother Sylvester Wanyama in this family of footballers plays football locally turning out for Sony Sugar. And it does not end there, their father; Noah Wanyama played football for AFC Leopards during his heydays.
Kimani also hails from a sporting background with elder sister Janet Wanja one of the celebrated volleyballers in the Kenyan national tram and has competed at the Olympics.