Kenyan footballers abroad: Introducing Albert Muema of Slovakia’s MFK Lokomotíva Zvolen

Kenyan striker Albert Muema in action [photo courtesy]

Over 8,519km away from home, a Kenyan striker Albert Muema hopes to leave a mark in the Slovakian football as he begins life in the third tier club MFK Lokomotíva Zvolen.

The 26-year-old Muema has impressed in pre-season training since making the switch from Serbian First Division side FK Sindeljic before the COVID-19 struck.

The much-travelled striker is eager to make a fresh start despite the disruption to the league and his personal training occasioned by the novel virus.

Kenyan striker Albert Muema [photo courtesy]

“It has been tough for me since arriving from Sindeljic. I was received well here at MFK Zvolen, but COVID-19 struck and everything stopped before we could start the second half of the season in March,” Muema told Standard Sports.

Muema, a product of Ligi Ndogo, hopes the gradual return of sport should provide him with a chance to pick up from where he left.

The striker has enjoyed a good start to pre-season as he scored his first goal and assisted one in a 3-0 win against FK Lieskovec before netting two goals in the second friendly with an assist in their 4-0 win over FK Salkova.

“I feel good heading into the new season. With such good form, I have set myself targets. I want to score at least 15 goals and also help my team achieve its targets for the season,” Muema said.

Slovakian football season is set to kick off on August 2.

The striker, who has also played for Broadbeach United in Australia’s Coast Premier League, hopes to continue with the rich vein of form that has seen him also net a goal in their 4-2 victory over FK Banska Stiavnica following a 2-0 loss away to Podkonice.

“I want to reset everything here and climb through the divisions. I have been to Australia to Serbia and now in Slovakia. I want to help MFK Lokomotíva Zvolen achieve its targets. I love the club and the people of Zvolen.

“I also want to repay the faith of coach Milos Foltan, who has accorded me the chance to play for this great team.

“I think I have found my balance here by staying calm, training according to the coach’s instructions.”

Muema briefly trained with Tusker in 2014 under Francis Kimanzi for three months before he left to study and play in Australia.

He believes MFK Lokomotíva Zvolen will afford him the chance to climb up the ladder of his ambitions.

MFK Zvolen takes on TJ Sklotatran Poltar in the first round of the Slovak Cup today Saturday, before they open their league campaign with a clash against FK Jednota Banova on August 2.