Wazito add another big name to star-studded squad
Wazito team manager Dan Owino (left) during the unveiling ceremony of new signing Kevin Kimani at the club's offices in Nairobi on August 15, 2020.
What you need to know:
- The midfield maestro was unveiled on Saturday and becomes the third signing for the money bags to be unveiled this week
- Wazito coach Fred Ambani sang praises of the Kenyan international saying his leadership skills and experience will be an asset for the team
- He was part of the Harambee Stars side that reached the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup final last year
Kevin Kimani has promised to boost his new club Wazito's purusit for silverware with goals and assists in the upcoming season.
The moneybags continued with acquisition of big names, the former Mathare United play-maker Saturday becoming their third signing in a span of three days.
Wazito have so far lured Boniface Omondi from Gor Mahia and this week they have unveiled former AFC Leopards striker Vincent Oburu and Onjiko Boys' High Alumnus Mark Otieno who joined from non-league side Leeds United.
Kimani, a creative midfielder with an eye for goal, is known for his dribbling prowess and precision in dead ball situations. He revealed that he had intended to join the team before but was happy that the move materialised during this transfer window.
"I was supposed to join the team earlier because it was an anticipated move from a while back and finally it has happened. I am happy to be here. I am here to improve the team in my own way and I am looking forward to working with my new teammates to move the team forward,” he said.
New Wazito signing Kevin Kimani poses with the team's jersey during his unveiling ceremony at the club's offices in Nairobi on August 15, 2020.
The St Anthony Boys' High School Kitale alumnus has turned out for KCB, Tusker, Sofapaka and Mathare United in the Kenyan Premier League. He has also played professional football in Belgium, Greece, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia.
"To the fans, they should expect goals and assists from me because that is what I do best,” asserted a confident Kimani.
Mathare United mdifielder Kevin Kimani (right) leaves Gor Mahia captain Keneth Muguna for dead during their Kenya Premier League match at Kenyatta stadium in Machakos on November 6, 2019.
Kimani is primarily an attacking midfielder who thrives behind the striker but he can also play on the wing. Wazito coach Fred Ambani sang praises of the Kenyan international saying his leadership skills and experience will be an asset for the team.
“When you have a young team, you need to throw in some experience and leadership in there. When you have Kim at the club it is a big boost because he is a natural leader who the younger players will definitely look up to,” explained Ambani.
”He has performed well in all teams that he has played for and when young players see such a character in the team it motivates them. He is also a top professional,” he added.
Mathare United captain Kevin Kimani celebrates his goal during their Kenyan Premier League match against Kariobangi Sharks at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on January 12, 2020.
Wazito sacked 12 players at the end of the 2019/20 campaign and have now charged Ambani and his assistant Salim Babu with the task of building a side that can challenge for silverware.
Therefore, Kimani's arrival bodes well with Ambani's vision to transform Wazito into a powerhouse in Kenyan football. The diminutive midfielder began his career in KCB in 2008 before joining Mathare United in 2011. He captained the Slum Boys that year as he clinched the Kenyan Premier League Player of the Year award.
Sports and Youths Affairs minister Dr Paul Otuoma (right) hands over Kenya Premier League player of the year award to Mathare United midfielder Kevin Kimani on December 7, 2011 during the Kenya Premier League Awards Dinner at Safari Park Hotel.
In 2012 he left Kenya for Belgian Third Division side Bocholter before moving to Greek club Fostiras. His next stop was at Jomo Cosmos in South Africa before relocating to Kenya where he joined Tusker in 2014 then AFC Leopards in January 2017.
After only a few weeks at Leopards, Kimani joined Saudi Arabia First Division side Al Hazam and terminated his contract with the team on June 4 the same year.
Kimani then joined Sofapaka in January 2018 before returning to Mathare United in December 2018.
His performance at Mathare United earned him a return to the national team and he was part of the Harambee Stars side that reached the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup final last year.
