Kevin Juma delighted after opening goal account at Gor Mahia

Kevin Juma’s debut performance for Gor Mahia FC, an FKF Shield Cup against Kakamega Homeboyz a few weeks ago didn’t elicit the sparks that fans had expected from such a highly-rated signing.

Even though eventually winning the tie, Juma- acquired from Nzoia Sugar- was withdrawn midway through the contest.

The composed midfielder has somehow found his footing with his new club after match week 2 of the FKF Premier League.

Juma led the defending champions to a hard earned 1-0 away win against Ulinzi Stars, a clash that has always proven tough for K’Ogalo.

He does not take this for granted, and believes one can only get better when trying to fit into a new team.

‘’The excitement was evident after I scored because it was a very tough match and we were playing away from home. I’m still learning the ropes and I believe I will get better with every match,’’ says the man who occasionally captained Nzoia Sugar last season.

The hosts had pressed the champions in the opening exchanges and it was way into the 20th minute when Gor had a sniff at goal.

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Juma reveals that it was at this point that they knew it was a match that needed to be decided early enough. So, he went for goal.

‘’The first half was balanced but it was Ulinzi who came at us very early in the game. With these kinds of games, it is always better to find the earliest opportunities of scoring to up confidence levels,’’ he goes on.

Juma’s goal ensured Gor picked their first win of the season having been held to a one-all draw on match day one by Sofapaka.

It’s a step-up, he says. Calms the nerves as every single team will be gunning for the defending champions’ scalp.

‘’It is important to establish dominance early in the season. I came close to winning the league title last season with Nzoia and now that I am here, I promise to give it everything. It’s an honour all of us chase,’’ Juma concludes.

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The victory over Ulinzi took Johnathan McKinstry’s boys to familiar territory.

They elevated up to 4th spot after two rounds of matches. They will host Nairobi City Stars on 17th after the international break.