INTERVIEW. EKENE UMEKWE- STRIKING MIDFIELDER

Q. Briefly tell us about you playing career?

A. I am a product of a renowned football academy in Nigeria that has produced several players for the Nigerian National team and many others turning up for averagely good clubs in Europe. I graduated from the academy in 2008 at the age of 18 years for trials in AFC Leopards at the end of the year and as they say, the rest is history.

Q. What’s your experience in Kenya?

A. Football in Kenya is different from Nigeria, in that it’s more physical and fast compared to Nigeria where we are used to smooth flowing and tactical style of play. But I am glad that I have adapted fast and look forward to scoring more goals for AFC Leopards.

Q. How do you cope up with pressure for Leopards success hungry fans?

A. I have learnt to deal with the pressure from demanding fans by concentrating on the game and ignoring the side shows on the terraces. But the best way to deal with fan pressure is to deliver on the pitch. We always strife to do so in Leopards.

Q. How do you rate Kenyan premier league?

A. The KPL has become extremely competitive and requires more wits to prevail. Every team is capable of an upset with no clear favorites. It requires a lot of concentration and good preparation to excel. We hope to prevail at the end of the season.