Mathare forward eager to complete Slovenian move

Mathare United and South Sudan U20 forward Dani Lual has not lost hope in joining Celje Opekarniska, a Slovenian top-tier outfit which unsuccessfully sought his signature in January.

Lual had secured a two-month loan deal with the club in January but failed to acquire a visa as he did not fit in the priority list of the permit recipients owing to the inter-country travel restrictions.

Apparently, the Slovenian embassy is giving prime concern to diplomats and individuals with work permits issued before coronavirus was declared a global pandemic in issuing the travel document.

Lual who joined the ‘slum boys’ in July 2019 from Atlabara FC revealed that the Slovenian outfit had been keeping close tabs on him since last year and was keen to acquire his signature albeit on loan.

In a letter seen by Mozzartsport, Lual, would have trained at Opekarniska for two months and land a permanent move should he impress.

 "They are still in touch with me and I hope at some point I will get a visa and try my luck. I made several trips to the Slovenian embassy but I did not succeed in getting the document since I did not fit in the priority list," he said.

The towering forward who was born and raised at the Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana county in the meantime expressed optimism in earning a call up to the South Sudan senior team.

Lual who prior to joining Mathare attended trials with the Spanish side Valencia C is yet to make his debut at the senior national team level but hopes to emulate his compatriots who ply their trade in the Kenyan league and have been part of coach Cyprian Besong’s plans.

 "I have come of age and time is ripe for me to make my debut in the senior team. The FIFA international is coming in June and I pray the coach will consider me," he added.