Kenyans shine abroad

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East Africa
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Paul Were in action for Rayon Sports in the Rwandese League at the weekend. COURTESY

Paul ‘Maldez’ Were and Eric “Marcelo” Ouma over the weekend led Kenyans plying their trade abroad to crucial wins for their clubs as several leagues picked momentum around the globe.

Were, a former Tusker and AFC Leopards player, was unveiled as a Rayon Sports player on Wednesday at a colourful ceremony, wasted no time in settling at the side as he created an assist to steer his new side to a 2-1 win over Rutsiro FC on his debut in the Rwandan League. 

Former Sofapaka and Gor Mahia midfielder Lawrence Juma also had an assist as he helped his new side AS Kigali beat Etincelles 2-0 in the same league.

In Sweden, Ouma scored AIK’s fourth goal in their runaway 4-2 win over Norrkoping on Sunday in the Swedish top tier Allsvenskan League. His goal was a thing of beauty and it came against the run of play in added time as he sprinted well over 50 yards to score into an open net following a neat counter attack off a failed corner kick from the opponents.

Another Kenyans in the team Collins Shichenje also made appearance in the match as a substitute. Shichenje was introduced in the 87th minute while Henry Mejja missed the entire match day. AIK are currently fourth on the log with Norrkoping placed 11th. Meanwhile former Kariobangi Sharks FC and Nairobi City Stars midfielder Sven Yidah, now an employee of Marumo Gallants was handed his debut against Royal AM in the Premier Soccer League played Sunday.

The Kenyan player had 67 minutes in before being substituted off. Swallows are 12th on the log with four points with one win in the bag and a draw. At the same time,Brian Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns played full minutes in their 1-1 draw with Sekhukhune United Saturday in a match played at Peter Mokaba Stadium. Sundowns are currently fourth on the log with seven points. 

In the Georgian top flight,Kenyan ace Amos Nondi’s Dila Gori FC lost 3-0 to Dinamo Tbilisi in a league encounter Saturday. However Dila is now at fourth place with 34 points while Tbilisi are on 44 points.

Meanwhile, former Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama helped his Montreal Impact side to an emphatic 3-0 win over New England Revolution Sunday morning in the Major League Soccer Championship. The skipper played the entire game bossing the midfield with a fine show.

In Zambia,former Harambee Stars forward Jesse Were of Kansanshi Dynamos opened their league campaign with a drab draw against Forest Rangers in the Zambia Super League. At the same time, ex-Gor Mahia defender David Owino also played full minutes for Napsa Stars in their return to top tier football albeit with a goalless draw with Red Arrows. By Barry Silah. PD