Shikalo seeks to establish himself as Yanga one

Kenyan international Faruk Shikalo is smelling first choice roles at Yanga following the arrival of former Bandari goalkeepers' trainer Razak Siwa.

The Tanzanian giants reappointed Siwa for the third time last week to sharpen the three custodians who include Faruk whom he worked with at Bandari between 2017- 2019.

Siwa, a former Harambee Stars trainer is credited for molding the former Muhoroni Youth player who clinched the golden glove for two consecutive seasons before crossing the borders in search for greener pastures.

Faruk who has endured a torrid time in dislodging first choice Metacha Mnata believes Siwa will resuscitate his confidence and fine tune his reflexes and consequently eclipse Mnata.

In a telephone interview, the former Posta Rangers custodian said Siwa understands his strengths and weaknesses and will get the best out of him.

Even though he acknowledges that playing time is earned, Faruk says he has an edge over Mnata and third choice Ramadhan Kabwili.

"I was an ordinary goalkeeper until I landed in the hands of Siwa. He knows my capabilities and my weaknesses unlike my two colleagues whom he is new to.I have an advantage over them in the race to win the starting roles although I know I have to work harder to convince him I am sharper than them,"he said.

Faruk who joined the Jangwani boys after the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt also tipped the golden glove to remain at Yanga so long as Siwa is attached to the club. Mnata leads the race with eleven clean sheets while Faruk has managed three.

"He knows how to seal the loopholes in the goalkeeping department. I am sure by the end of the season we will have kept more clean sheets than any other club in the league,"he predicted.

Meanwhile, Faruk projected that Kabwili will succeed Aishi Manula in the national team in the future. Yanga acquired the budding goalkeeper who was part of the team which took part in the U17 AFCON finals held in Gabon.

"He is one for the future.He is patient and always ready to learn from his seniors and i believe he will be the Tanzania one in future," he added.