Francis Xavier: The dependable midfielder for AFC and KCC

Francis Xavier. (Courtesy/Mara Sugar)

In August 2000, Kenya was preparing to face Tunisia in an AFCON qualifier on September 3. So on August 25, Kenya's national team left for Egypt under James Siang'a to play an international friendly match in Cairo. Kenya went down by two goals to one in what many believed was a close shave to the Pharaohs. Despite the loss, that match is etched in the memory of midfielder Francis Xavier. According to him, Kenya had one of their best shows against Egypt, despite the loss. They played to a goalless draw against Tunisia in Nairobi about a week later.

Francis Xavier Lugovane was born in Maragoli, Vihiga County in 1975. He attended Halombove Primary School and St, Peter's Mumias Boys' Primary School. He then joined St Peter's Boys High School next door where he met Mr. Obwana and Mr. Otete.