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Sydney Lokale has started the season on a high, scoring three goals for his new club AFC Leopards, and has shared why he chose Ingwe over foreign clubs.
AFC Leopards forward Sydney Lokale has opened up on his decision to reject offers from foreign clubs and instead sign for the 12-time FKF Premier League champions.
Lokale, who has started the season in fine form with three goals in four league appearances, recently earned a recall to the Kenya national team ahead of their crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Cameroon.
The former Kariobangi Sharks and KCB FC striker, who had a stint with Saint Eloi Lupopo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, shared the reasoning behind his choice to return to Kenya and join Ingwe. Lokale revealed that he had multiple offers abroad but felt drawn to AFC Leopards for personal reasons.
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05:19 - 07.10.2024
Bryan Mbeumo: Cameroon striker fires warning to Harambee Stars with hot scoring streak
Cameroon striker Bryan Mbeumo has shown great form for his club Brentford in what would be a cause for worry for Harambee Stars ahead of their AFCON qualifiers this month.
"I knew my contract was coming to an end, so I had plans," Lokale told Sports Eye. "I was thinking that if I came back home, AFC Leopards would be one of the teams I’d want to join."
Lokale mentioned offers from Oman, Finland, and Algeria, but ultimately chose Leopards, citing his father's influence in making the decision.
"I had a few people I consulted, including my dad. We talked extensively about me joining AFC Leopards, and I was convinced it was the right team to take the next step forward."
Despite the challenges that come with playing for a club as demanding as AFC Leopards, Lokale has embraced the expectations and the club's large fanbase.
"Leopards is a club that demands performance—not just from the technical bench or the players, but also from the fans," he said. "It's different from playing at Kariobangi Sharks or KCB where the fanbase is smaller, but I enjoy it here."
At Leopards, Lokale faces stiff competition for the number nine role from Rwandan international Arthur Gitego, a challenge he welcomes.
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18:06 - 06.10.2024
CECAFA AFCON U20 qualifiers: AFC Leopards' Hassan Beja on song as Rising Stars brush aside Tanzania
Hassan Beja provided the assist for the second goal to cap off a good afternoon for Salim Babu's Rising Stars, who overcame Tanzania 2-1 in the CECAFA AFCON U-20 qualifiers.
"Everywhere you go, there's competition. You can never be the only striker, and you always have to do your best because others are doing their best too," Lokale remarked. "So, you work hard to ensure you stand out."
The 24-year-old forward, who was born in Lodwar but raised in Nakuru, has settled in well at AFC Leopards and is eager to continue delivering for the club as they pursue FKF Premier League success this season.
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