Teamwork, commitment, game-reading abilities and flexibility are attributes required for any player to excel in the centreback role according to Vihiga Queens' Vivian Nasaka.
The natural right-back enjoyed a productive 2020/21 season with the Vihiga County-sponsored side playing from the heart of the defence.
She guided Queens to the Cecafa club championship title in Nairobi which saw the Ines Mango-captained side represent the Eastern Africa region at the inaugural CAF Women's Champions League in Egypt last month.
Eyebrows were raised when Queens' former coach Alex Alumira shifted Nasaka to central defence, largely because she was short but Nasaka vindicated that decision by becoming an imposing figure at her new role.
Her outstanding partnership with Phoebe Owity, who was also converted from a forward to left-footed centre-half, was only bettered by Thika Queens' impermeable defence.
Explaining on her adaptation to the new role, Nasaka admitted that it's tough facing some burly strikers but she has embraced the challenge and will keep on improving going forward.
"Though I have not fully transitioned into a centre-half, I can say so far so good. It's all about the technical and tactical adaptation to the game," the 23-year old explained.
"It's about teamwork, giving 110 per cent every day in training and in matches. You have to be committed, read the opponent well and sacrifice for the team in order to excel at the heart of the defence. Your mind is always prepared for a bruising battle with strikers and you have to be super fit," she said.
"I can play anywhere now in defence. Flexibility is key. You have to combine the physical attributes and ball-playing qualities in order to stand out for the team. "
Nasaka has warned rivals to expect fireworks this season as Vihiga seek to regain the title they lost to Thika after crushing out in the semifinals of the playoffs in Nakuru.
"Nothing short of the title is our target. We want to be on top of our game from the start of the season till the end," she said.
