'I HAVE NO REGRETS'

By JAMES WAINDI

International striker Allan Wanga, does not regret moving to Vietnam’s V-League to pursue his professional career for the next two seasons.

Vietnam is ranked 137th in the world, 17 positions lower than Kenya and there is a huge perception that the V-League is not competitive.

Wanga’s career has been fluctuating since he left former local league champions Tusker in 2007 for Angolan Champions Petro Atletico.

Allan Wanga (foreground) trains with Anthony Kimani ahead of a past international match. [PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO /STANDARD]

He later left Atletico for Azerbaijan champions Baku FC, before returning home to briefly join 2009 KPL champions Sofapaka, after which he moved to two-time Vietnam champions, Hoang Anh Gia Lai early last month.

"I have no regrets joining Hagl FC and playing in the V-League. The league here is very competitive, unlike what people think.

Foreign players

There are a lot of foreign coaches here as well as players, making the league competitive. There are even players from Croatia, Czech and Brazil playing in my team," Wanga told FeverPitch on phone.

He said:"The facilities in the club are abundant and of good quality and I can only hope to improve on my game. I am going to remain positive and fight for a place in the national team for the remaining Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers."

The V-League has 14 teams and it kicks off in February and ends in August.

The 25-year old striker signed a two-year contract with the club, with an option of extending when the contract expires.

Youth academy

Recently, Hagl FC signed a contract with English Premier League giants Arsenal FC to open a Youth Academy at the team’s base in Pleiku. The Club will also be the main distributor of Arsenal merchandise in Southeast Asia area.

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia defeated Ndhiwa Combined 3-2 in a friendly match, adds adds Phillip Orwa.

Gor, who are on a tour of the region to scout for talent, won the match played at Pala Primary School in Ndhiwa. Nicholas ‘Mickel’ Owino of Ndhiwa handled the ball inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Evans Anguyo converted the penalty to put Gor ahead in the 20th minute of the game before midfielder Francis Ocholla added another in the 32nd minute of the match.

Ndhiwa’s Vincent Ogutu scored the first goal for his team just before half-time to make it 2-1. K’Ogalo’s Baldwin Ngwa added another goal for his team 30 seconds into the second-half, but Patrick Masisi pulled one back for Ndhiwa Combined in the 67th minute to make matters 3-2.

Gor, who were playing Migori Youth, did not play a friendly against Milimani Football Club as Gor officials said Homabay fans pelted them with stones during their tour of the town last year.