Zakayo eager to break to Tusker's starting team

Youthful Tusker winger Erick Zakayo has vowed to hand coach Robert Matano a selection headache in the forthcoming Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) matches. Zakayo came off the bench to assist Tusker's winner against Nzoia Sugar during their Tuesday's league encounter at the Kasarani Annex.

The rookie says the assist, his first in the campaign was a welcome motivation in his quest to reclaim his place in the Matano's first team. The experienced gaffer hasn't hidden his high affinity for selecting experienced players in league matches this season with the youngsters apparently being used as impact players.

However, Zakayo who was a regular starter in the past season before it was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic is determined to win Matano's confidence again. The fleet-footed winger has been facing off with the duo of Brian Marita and Luke Namanda in his quest to nail a place in the starting team.

"There are senior players who have been starting ahead of me but I am not resting on my laurels just because they are helping the team reap positive results. I am working hard in training in anticipation of playing time and I am confident I will walk back to the starting team. I have learnt a lot from my seniors as far as discipline and working hard is concerned," he professed

Zakayo who was promoted to the senior team from the junior side in 2019 alongside Mario Kakai revealed his target of doubling his numbers in a bid to fire the brewers to their 12th league title. Tusker are on course to end their five-year-long wait for a league silverware as they sit at the top pf the log with 32 points, six ahead of second-placed KCB who have a game at hand.

"The coach always wants us ready for duty whenever called upon. I am happy after getting my first assist of the season and hopefully, I am looking forward to registering more for the benefit of the team,"

Tusker face debutants Bidco United in their next match.