Shirao opens on difference between the Div 2 and Premier League

After making the dream move from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division Two to the Premier League, Hillary Shirao has opened up on the difference between the two tiers of football.

The burly forward made a name for himself in the lower leagues of Kenyan football, setting a record in Kriss Darlin Super Cup after clinching the Golden Boots three times in a row.

Shirao was roped in by Bidco United in the January transfer window from Kibra-based Gogo Boys to bolster their toothless attack that has netted 10 goals in 13 games thus far this campaign.

The 21-year-old opened up on the difference between Divison One and the Premier League having already made two substitute appearances against Zoo FC and last weekend against Mathare United.

“In the lower leagues, there is more of man-marking of the forwards, and you get few chances while in the Premier League, defenders mark space making it harder for a forward,” said Shirao.

“You now have to be more creative to beat the defender because they mark space. When I was in Division Two I used to turn against defenders because I had some pace,” he added.

The former Kibera Lexus forward clinched Kriss Darlin Super Cup Golden Boot for the first time back in 2018 with six goals and repeated the feat the following year adding a goal to his previous record and again improved on his record by banging eight goals in the last edition. 

Shirao laid bare his targets at Bidco and also had a message to the fans asking them to continue supporting him.

“I want to become the Bidco top scorer at the end of the season so that I can attract attention from potential suitors outside the country because I'm still a new name in the league but by God's grace I know everything is achievable. Fans should expect good performances and I hope they will continue supporting me,” he noted.

Shirao will be hoping for a better outing when Bidco takes on log leaders Tusker FC on Saturday 27 February.