Player Profile: Chrispian Okal, Muhoroni Youth youngster raring to make a mark

Chrispian Okal already boasts ten Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) games under his belt - less than six months since bursting into the local football scene.

Winner of the Tanzania U20 Premier League with Mtibwa Sugar in 2021, the left footed full back joined Muhoroni Young in the FKF Div 1 in March this year.

Yet, his immense talent could not keep him rooted there for long as Wazito FC, fighting tooth and nail to dodge relegation, took advantage of FKF regulations to field him for the better part of the second leg.

Some of the games he featured in - giving a good account of himself include against Gor Mahia which ended in a frustrating barren draw and a 2-1 win over Tusker FC, as they escaped automatic relegation.

Okal also played in the FKFPL playoffs as Wazito FC, now Muhoroni Youth FC due to a name change, beat National Super League (NSL) side Migori Youth FC 3-0 on aggregate to keep their top flight status.

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"The game against Tusker was the most memorable for me," the 23-year-old told Mozzart Sport.

"It was a tough match full of pressure, but I managed to do my best and we won."

At the time, Tusker were involved in a tight race to retain their league title against eventual winners Gor Mahia, who were gunning to end a two-season title drought.

On the other hand, Wazito was seeking to avoid automatic relegation, in a contest against Mathare United, and a win against the Brewers would suffice.

Now registered with Muhoroni Youth for the 2023-24 season - starting this weekend, Okal, whose role model is Hussein Mohamed of Simba SC, has set a clear target, while raring to go.

"By mid season, I expect to have made an impression and attracted interest from bigger teams in the league," he said.

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His biggest dream, like most budding talents, is to turn pro and play in Europe.

According to Muhoroni Youth coach Charles Odera, Okal has a bright future and should stay rooted and focused. "He has the talent and the discipline to succeed, but he's still a raw diamond. If attentive and ready to learn, he will go far."

With Yusuf Juma no longer with Youth, having left for Kakamega Homeboyz, Okal is expected to be the main figure in the left back position.

"It's a huge challenge, but I'm feeling good and ready to take it head on," Okal said.