Acakoro ace keen to emulate Timbe

Kenya U20 winger Mathew Mwendwa is drawing inspiration from Harambee Stars winger model Ayub Timbe in his bid to head to Europe without gracing the local leagues.

Timbe is among the few lucky Kenyan players whose journey to Europe was rather short as he joined the Anderletch’s Academy straight from the JMJ Academy in 2006 while aged fourteen years.

His successful stay abroad for more than a decade has instilled belief in budding players that the journey to professional football is not necessarily set to serve off in the local league.

Mwendwa who has spent the last six years at the talent-rich Acakoro Academy says he is keen to emulate Timbe whom he labelled as his role model and close friend.

The 17-year old who made himself a name after claiming the 2018 Chapa Dimba na Safaricom Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Nairobi region finals revealed that he was working his socks off daily in anticipation for offers from abroad.

He said he was pursuing a reputable football agency to link him up with suitors.

“The local leagues have churned out good players who have gone ahead to conquer Europe but I don’t want to take that route. I believe I am talented enough to go professional straight from Acakoro just like Timbe. His story encourages me to work harder and remain disciplined. Occasionally, I reach out to him for advice and encouragement and he is always kind enough to assist me. I am hunting for an agency to help me accomplish my dream,” he said.

Mwendwa, commonly known as Tiano was outstanding in last year’s Cecafa tournament held in Arusha, Tanzania.

He netted three goals in the two build up matches against Sudan lined up before the tournament where Kenya was eliminated in the Uganda in the semifinals.