Defensive midfielder Clifford Ouma Otieno’s reflection of the 2023-24 FKF Premier League season is a simple one; Nairobi City Stars has punched well above its weight compared to last term.
While he acknowledges his early struggles and his ambitions, Cliff also shares a hint of why the team has since turned the corner.
Cliff made a cameo appearance in game one against Muhoroni Youth in Kasarani Annex, then went on to become an unused substitute in the next seven games before returning to the starting lineup in game nine against Muranga SEALS. He has gone on to start all games thereafter, completing all save for two against AFC Leopards and Kariobangi Sharks.
“My season started on a low note. That forced me to work tirelessly to regain my place in the first team,”
“It was not been easy because I also had tough and determined teammates who were also eager to own the same position that I play in,”
“My target this season is to fight so hard to get a national team call-up and get some reasonable offers outside the Country.” added the former Migori Youth skipper
In retrospect, Cliff believes Simba wa Nairobi’s current crop of players is a lot more promising than last season.
“So far I can say we have a better team compared to the last season. Simba wa Nairobi is now made up of a young and energetic group who are working together as a unit. It’s a group that’s ready to learn and demand more from each other,”
Further, Cliff also relates the team’s upward mobility to coaching;
“We are giving out positive results due to our able technical bench led by (Nicholas) Muyoti who has been demanding a lot from us as a team,”
“That push has brought about massive difference results-wise compared to last season,” he added
Cliff has so far featured in 11 games this season clocking 870 minutes. Overall, his premier league games have now improved to 39.