Lual expected to jet out on Friday

Mathare United forward Dani Lual is scheduled to jet out on Friday to Juba, South Sudan to honour his maiden senior team call up.

Lual was summoned to the South Sudan senior team which is set to play Jordan in the FIFA Arab World Cup tournament set for Doha, Qatar in three weeks time.

The towering forward will enjoy the company of the trio of AFC Leopards midfielder Saad Musa, Gor Mahia striker Tito Okello and Kariobangi Sharks centre back Kuol Chol in the tournament.

"I am leaving on Friday in the afternoon for Juba. We will be in a residential team until June 15 when we shall hit the runaway to Doha," he said. 

Lual who opened up on his desire to open his goal account in the senior team says he is expecting strong competition for playing time in the team courtesy of the experienced forwards called by Christian Bessong. 

"I acknowledge that there will be stiff competition from the other strikers but at least a goal will convince the coach that I deserve a place in the team. I understand I will be under sharp scrutiny considering that I am the youth team all time top scorer but that does not necessarily mean that I am under pressure to carry that form in the senior team," he said. 

With Mathare struggling to score goals in the league, the absence of Lual who joined them in 2019 from Atlabara is deemed as a blow in their quest to beat the drop.

However, the former South Sudan U20 player anticipates that his striking instincts will be sharpened in the tournament and its ripple effect will be felt in the league when he jets back.

"I am happy Mathare agreed to release me without any qualms. The only way to repay them is by helping the team evade relegation when I come back. I am certain the exposure which I will gain there will play a big role in firing the team to a respectable finish," he added.