Thiong'o eager to break into the Ingwe starting team

AFC Leopards winger Peter Thiong’o is convinced that his second half displays during their two-all draw against Sofapaka on Wednesday will compel coach Patrick Aussems to draft him in the starting team when they face Wazito next week and in the subsequent matches.

Thiong’o came off the bench to replace Eugene Mukangula in the initial stages of the second half and subsequently inspired Leopards to rally from two goals down to share spoils at the Wundanyi Stadium.

The attacking midfielder has been deprived of consistent playing time from the time the Belgian tactician arrived at the den in February replacing Anthony Kimani who threw in the towel.

The former Simba boss has been preferring to deploy Caleb Olilo on the attacking flank at the expense of Thiong’o who deemed as a sure starter when he joined the club at the start of the season courtesy of his exploits at Kakamega Homeboyz.

Despite his protracted stay on the bench, the former Nakuru All Stars attacking midfielder said he was patient and at the same time working his socks off to persuade Aussems to squeeze and mold him into an influential starter again.

“I played well against Sofapaka after coming from the bench. I strongly believe that my performance left the technical bench with some selection headache going ahead of our next game. I have been working hard and exercising patience at the same time. It will pay off soon,” he said.

The national U23 trialist in the meantime could not hide his thirst for trophies which he observed lured him to join the club. Leopards have already qualified for the Football Kenya Federation Cup final where they are scheduled to take on their sworn enemies Gor Mahia.

The former champions are also in contention for the elusive league gong as they are ranked third with 37 points, two adrift of league toppers Tusker.

“One of the reason I chose Ingwe over the rest of the suitors is their ambition to win titles. We are already in the Cup final and progressing on well in the league. It will be dream come true win one in my maiden season at the club,” he added.