Why Sserenkuma prefers retaining KPL title than winning golden boot

KRA's Douglas Okumu challenges Gor Mahia Danny Sserunkuma during their KPOL match at Kasarani Stadium. PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Dan Sserenkuma has been in fine form since he joined Gor Mahia in June 2012, won the best KPL player award the same year, played a pivotal role in helping K’Ogalo end their 18-year KPL title drought last season and with 11 goals under his name thus far, Gor are on their way to retaining the title.
Game Yetu’s Rodgers Eshitemi discussed with the Ugandan import about his life, experience and why he keeps on scoring against the Shemeji’s (AFC Leopards).


Game Yetu: What’s the secret behind your impressive performance in the Kenyan Premier League?
Sserenkuma: There is no secret, except hard work. Credit goes to my teammates and coach for their relentless support as they’ve played a big role in my performances.


Game Yetu: You’ve been instrumental in Gor’s title campaigns in the last two seasons. What exactly went through your mind after you scored an injury time goal against Sofapaka to end Gor’s 18-year title drought?
Sserenkuma: It’s unbelievable. 2012 was such a disappointing season, but I knew 2013 was our year and it needed to happen. Scoring in such a decisive match was a special feeling that I can’t even describe it.
Game Yetu: How can you compare your working relationship with Bobby Williamson, Zravko Logarusic and Frank Nuttall?
Sserenkuma: All are professional coaches whose target is to win each and every match.


Game Yetu: On several occasions, you were overlooked by Williamson at Uganda Cranes, how was the feeling when you re-united with him at Gor.
Sserenkuma: I was excited to meet somebody who handed me my maiden national team cap.


Game Yetu: You have scored a total of nine goals against AFC Leopards since you came to Kenya. Why do you have a hobby to score against them?
Sserenkuma: I don’t have any hobby against AFC, but it’s just that I love scoring. And as a professional footballer I always do the roles I’ve been assigned to do and that’s scoring.


Game Yetu: But you were quoted in press sometime back saying Leopards’ official called you an impostor and blocked your move to the den.
Sserenkuma: No! No! No! That’s a big lie and I took it just like a rumour. For your information, I personally don’t have any ill feelings towards AFC Leopards and their officials.


Game Yetu: You wanted to leave Gor in June last season after landing a trial invite in Europe. What happened?
Sserenkuma: I realised the timing was wrong and I had some unfinished business at Gor, that’s why I had to return.


Game Yetu: What about the trials in Denmark?
Sserenkuma: Sorry this is not the right time to talk about the past.


Game Yetu: Tell us one thing that most people don’t know about you?
Sserenkuma: I am a down-to-earth kind of guy who sleeps, drinks and eats football. People say I am shy, but I am not.


Game Yetu: What have been your worst and best moments in your football career so far?
Sserenkuma: Losing the 2012 KPL title on the final day of the season after drawing with Thika United was my worst moment, but lifting the title the following year is still fresh in my memory.


Game Yetu: Last, but not least, would you prefer retaining the league title with Gor Mahia or winning the golden boot as you are currently the leading goal KPL scorer (11) as the league enters homestretch?
Sserenkuma: My target is to defend the title, winning the golden boot will just be a bonus to me.

By Ben Ahenda 44 mins ago
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