Kenyan ‘Messi's Spanish dream still alive

KCB FC and Harambee Stars utility player David ‘Messi’ Owino has once again reiterated his hope of sealing a move away from the Football Kenya Federation Premier League. Before the onset of the novel Covid-19 pandemic in the country back in March last year, the diminutive ambidextrous player had agreed to join Catalonia based fourth-tier side Unió Esportiva (UE) Figueres but the negotiations were grounded following the virus' advent.

It is understood that Owino was supposed to make the switch last year in August after successful trials with the Spanish side back in 2018 but with the subsequent declaration of the disease as a global pandemic and a majority of states locking down their airspace and clubs halting their activities, the deal hit a cul-de-sac.

In an interview on the league sponsor’s, Messi still insisted on his desire to pursue his forays abroad.

“I only signed with KCB for one year. And I told myself that if I finish this one year with KCB, I need to push myself to go to the next level, not in the Kenyan Premier League but to at least find another challenge outside the country. That is why I really need to work every day and to be consistent in the national team. It needs me to sacrifice more and to give my all on the pitch,” he said.

In a former interview on Mozzart Sport, the former Laiser Hill alumnus revealed that the Spanish club which plies its trade in the Tercera División – Group 5, and stages its home matches at the Estadi Municipal de Vilatenim, was still in touch with him and insisted that he was part of their long term plan.

"I am hoping to join Figueres when my stay at KCB elapses. They say that I am still in their plan and hopefully I will be part of their squad from next season. Obviously the delay is frustrating but there is little I can do since the pandemic has affected everyone in a different way," he said.

With the league planned to resume this weekend, Messi will have to knuckle down once again in order to increase his chances of sealing the move abroad. KCB will be eyeing to cut down Tusker’s six-point lead at the top of the table when the two sides clash in a top of the table clash on Saturday.