Paul Were - a soccer star in the making

A call-up to the senior national team is every player's dream and getting that opportunity at 19 years is a big testament to the talent Paul Were is.

Before the 2010 Kenya Premier League(KPL) began few knew Were but  after his exploits at  Tusker FC, sensational striker  Paul Were has enjoyed being in the media lime light for all the good reasons.His goal poaching form in the KPL has turned heads his way and he is destined to become one of the most prolific striker in Kenya.

The first born in a family of 4, Paul Were went to Mariakani Primary School in South B before joining Nairobi Milimani for his High School certificate. He attributes his career growth to South B based FISA (Friendly International Sports Association) academy under the watchful eyes of Kenya’s ex internationals Mickey Weche ,Charles Omondi Korea and Fisa director Maurice Ajwang. FISA is also credited in  discovering and honing talents of prominent players including: Patrick Oboya, Maurice Odhiambo, Ibrahim Kitawi to name just but a few.

Were started his professional career last year in the Nation Wide League turning out for Mathare Youth. This was after the team was relegated from the Kenya Premier league. This gave an opportunity to showcase his talent.

It was while playing in a friendly match against Tusker FC that he was noticed by Tusker’s tactician James Nandwa who invited him for trials at the brewer’s side.
He was successful with tusker and was immediately signed in a squad that consists the best footballers in the country. His skillful attacking and goal scoring touch immediately earned him a place in the former champion’s squad of 27 and a starting spot in the team.

With his star brightly shining faster than he had anticipated, Were immediately struck the media headlines to become a darling of the fans with his electrifying goals. This form earned him a place into the senior national team where he made his debut a few weeks ago against Uganda Cranes in CHAN qualifiers return leg in Nairobi. This was after missing the first leg in Uganda due to passport complication issues.

During his debut national assignment against Uganda cranes here in Nairobi, Were’s second half introduction was an immediate thorn in Uganda’s defense combining well with fellow youngster George “Blackberry” Odhiambo of Gor mahia.He skillfully outpaced the huge Ugandan defenders on the left flank with his swift moves to bring home a precise cross which was simply tapped in by John Baraza for the match decider. Kenya beat Uganda 2-1 but failed to qualify for the CHAN championship to be held in Sudan next year on away goal rule in favor of Uganda.

His goal tally in the ongoing Kenya premier League currently stands at 5 with his most memorable goal being the classic wonder strike in Nyayo Stadium against Gor mahia when he released an electrifying screamer for Tusker’s opening goal of the match.
Contrary to critics who suppose he has not yet matured for professional contracts outside Kenya, Were wishes to play in any European league with keen interest in the English, Spanish, Italian or German leagues if he gets the chance.

“I believe am good enough to join any senior professional team out there and if it comes my way why not. David Beckham started playing professional football when he was 16 years.” says Were who looks up to his friends and Kenyan professional player Patrick Oboya, Macdonald Mariga and striker Dennis Oliech for inspiration.

“The success of these guys tells you that Kenyans are capable of making it out there but it also needs a lot of hard work and personal sporting  discipline to reach those heights” continued Were.

Commenting on his performance Tusker fc team manager Paul Makumi was full of praise for the upcoming youngster.

“He is a great future talent. I just hope his current media liking does not affect his game. He has great potential of being one of the finest strikers in this region. He needs focus and more hard work in his personal training. We shall try hard enough to sharpen him even further before he is fully ready for international professional soccer.” Suggested Makumi.  

“I still think he needs to do a lot of physical training to amass some body strength which is his current weakness but we are working on that, he is almost there”  added the team manager.

As the KPL second leg kicks off in two weeks time, Tusker coach Nandwa is looking up to the youngster to lead the charges for an even better performance with his goal poaching technique.  

We hope Were’s star keeps rising to the pride and happiness of his parents Wilfred Gerry and Rukia Musungu who have been very supportive of their talented son’s soccer pursuit since his childhood.  

For him the sky is the limit.