Ulinzi Stars name new captain ahead of new FKFPL campaign

Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 21.08.23. | 11:12

Birgen, a senior member of the squad will lead the team in the coming season.

Brian Birgen is the new Ulinzi Stars captain, the military outfit has announced ahead of the 2023–24 season's kickoff on Saturday.

The seasoned right-back takes over from veteran keeper James Saruni, who appears to not be part of the squad this season following the arrival of keeper Michael Wanyika from Bandari FC.

Saruni lost his starting berth to young Ricks Omondi last season, and in his absence, Bernard Ongoma skippered the team in most of the games in what was largely an underwhelming campaign for the soldiers. Birgen was one of the assistants last season.

New coach Anthony Kimani has now handed the leadership mantle to Birgen, who has been part of the Ulinzi Stars set-up since 2014. The club revealed his elevation in a video posted on the club’s social media platforms.

Last year in February, Birgen had a chance to captain the team in a match against Tusker FC, and the player could not hide his joy at the chance to lead his club.

"It was a good experience because it has been a long journey. I joined the team when I was very young, and I thank God for getting me to the point where I am handed the armband. I am thankful to the coach for entrusting me with the chance to lead the team," Birgen said.

"I have been under a number of captains at Ulinzi, and I have learned a couple of things on top of being humble and leading by experience. You should be a good example in terms of discipline and have a good performance to lead from the front, and I tried to emulate that," he added.

Ulinzi starts the season with an away match against Nzoia Sugar FC.



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