He came to Nairobi City Stars as a midfielder, as an option in the offensive or attacking positions, but two seasons later, Rowland Makati is now a fully-fledged right back.
In the three months preceding the 2022-23 FKF Premier League season, Makati, a former Escalators and Vapor Sports player, has meta morphed from a forward role to a full back, and he enjoys it;
“I used to play as a right back for my local team though I always preferred to play in midfield,”
“When the coach (Muyoti) told me he wanted to try me as a right back I quickly obliged. And with the help of my teammates, I am fitting into my new role gradually,” said Makati
Simba wa Nairobi head coach Nicholas Muyoti acknowledges his transition, though he points out some areas of improvement;
“Makati is growing in confidence. We have seen a lot of improvement since he started playing as a right back,”
“His tracking back is very good just needs to work on his crosses and covering. He is adapting well to the position and has a bright future.”
As a right back, Makati featured in 11 of 18 games in pre-season clocking 856 minutes.
He earned his maiden top-flight start as right back in the 2022-23 FKF Premier League clash against Bidco United in Nyayo Stadium on Sunday 20 November 2022, a game City Stars went on to lose 2-0.
He will be contesting the right-back position with his mentor, and City Stars longest serving player, Calvin Masawa.
Nairobi City Stars right-back Rowland Makati in action against Kariobangi Sharks in Kasarani Annex during the Elite Cup tournament in Sep 2022
Photo Credits – Hassan Mandevu