Chapa Dimba Central region's best goalkeeper, Jaydell Kariuki, is targeting Kenyan Premier League football with champions Gor Mahia.
Kairuki, 20, led Lysa FC to next month's national championships in Kisumu when they beat M-Pesa Foundation 3-2 in the regional finals last weekend.
"I would like to play for Gor Mahia in future. It’s one of the best clubs in the country. I am sure I will develop my skills there," said Kariuki, who also admires KCB and Tusker FC.
But his ultimate desire is to play for the national team, Harambee Stars. "My biggest dream is to play for Harambee Stars. It would be a privilege to represent my country," said Kariuki, who won Sh30,000 for his award courtesy of Chapa Dimba sponsors Safaricom.
He attributed his success to discipline, hard work, good morals and listening to his coach.
“There is a lot of competition in our squad. What sets me apart is my discipline. I believe good morals are key to being a successful player. I always listen to the coach’s advice and adhere to it,” he added.
Karikui's love for the sport began at a very young age. He was scouted by Young Rovers of Maringo under the stewardship of coach Amos Lumbasion while still in primary school.
He then joined St. Patrick Secondary School, Makadara, where he continued with his exploits in football. His prowess would draw the attention of Maringo United’s head coach Kelvin Oreso, who took him under his wings.
With admiration for European goalkeepers like Manchester City’s Ederson Moraes and Barcelona’s Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Kariuki seeks to learn from the best in the game.
“I watch a lot of European goalkeepers. I admire Ederson for his distribution, Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) for his saves, Ter Stegen and Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid) for their flight,” he stated.
Kariuki noted that his mother is his biggest source of motivation, encouraging him to pursue his football dream.
“I stay in Nairobi and my mother stays in Kirinyaga. She calls me every day to motivate me and to keep me focused on my football career,” he observed.
Lysa FC head coach Jeff Makaya was in high praise of his showstopper, stating: “He is an integral part of the team. He is a disciplined talented young player. I always remind my players about teamwork.”
Kariuki said the next few days will be crucial as they prepare for the national championships kick-off on April 10.
“We will use the remaining period to sharpen our skills. I am confident we will make it to the national final and win the trophy,” he observed.
