By GILBERT WANDERA
When Kenya drew 1-1 with Nigeria in last month’s World Cup qualifier in Calabar, one man emerged an instant hero.
Thika United midfielder Francis Kahata was the talk of town after that match when he scored a stunning goal to put Kenya ahead on that occasion.
Even Nigerian captain Victor Enyeama, who was in goal when Kahata scored, had only kind words for the strike terming it stunning and unexpected from a player from this region.
“It was one of the best free-kicks I have ever seen. Truly I never expected such a kick from a Kenyan; that’s the kind of shot you expect to get from a Brazilian or South Americans.
“But you saw what happened; the ball curled very well into that angle. I was surprised by his skill. One of the best free-kicks I have ever seen. I have seen a lot of free-kicks but not a top corner like that. It was a perfect kick into the right corner,” Enyeama said then.
However, just one month later, the player has found himself in trouble with his coach John Kamau who insists he must do more for the club to deserve a place in the starting line-up. Kamau has challenged the Kenyan international to be consistent or risk losing his place in the team’s starting line-up.
“In my opinion it takes one big player in a big match to win matches. Kahata is one of those players but he has to be consistent for us or else losing his place in the team,” he told the club’s website.
He added:” All I am saying is he has to have consistency. Fancy football opens up the game but fancy football accompanied with goals is superb for the team. Bearing in mind that Kahata is an offensive mid-fielder I am expecting goals from him sooner rather than later or else he might lose playing time.”
Improve quickly
Kamau also lashed out at his custodians and asked them to improve quickly. “Development of any player in Thika United is paramount but having said that, my keepers have to grasp that chance and determine whether their team wins or not.”
“I’m quite impressed by the tremendous development with our out-field players, a good example like Sammy Mejja who just finished his O’levels in 2012 and out of our nine matches so far he has played eight, he has shown consistency in growth unlike our goalkeeping department.”
He continued: “I am greatly concerned with the slow growth rate our goalkeepers are showing and for Thika United to win anything this season or go beyond last year’s position five; the keepers have to play a very big role, as I plan forward.”
Elsewhere, a host of former Harambee stars internationals will light up the COPA Coca-Cola tournament on Saturday as they take on Kenya Sports Journalists media team in a curtain raising match at City Stadium.
The former internationals led by one of Kenya’s most celebrated football heroes, Joe Kadenge, will take to the field against the media team in a match that former AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia defender, George Sunguti, has vowed they will win.
