)
The former AFC Leopards and Ulinzi Stars forward was part of the All-Star KPL side that faced Hull City at the then Kcom Stadium in England in January 2017.
Kariobangi Sharks striker John Mark Makwatta has shared his insights and experiences from his encounter with Hull City when he and his fellow KPL All-Star teammates played against the English side in February 2017.
The match was a significant event for Makwatta, who clinched the Golden Boot while playing for Ulinzi the previous year and earned a place in the KPL-All Stars, which faced Hull City at the Kcom Stadium.
Hull City, sponsored by gaming company SportPesa at the time, had sealed a deal after their promotion back to the top tier of English football.
Similarly, the Kenyan Premier League was also sponsored by SportPesa, providing the KPL team of the season with a golden opportunity to play a friendly match against the seasoned Championship outfit.
The Kenyans lost 2-1, with Humphrey Mieno scoring a consolation goal. Makwatta, however, put up a commendable performance, holding the ball up well and linking effectively with his teammates.
In a candid interview with Sports Eye Sports, Makwatta reflected on the valuable lessons he learned during his tour in England.
“That is one of the best moments in my career from when I started football, up until now,” Makwatta said. “That is the top level. The EPL is the best league in the world. We played Hull City when they were in the Premier League. If that was only Hull, imagine teams like Real Madrid?"
He expressed his admiration for the overall experience. “Everything was great. The atmosphere which was there, as well as the facilities, means I will never forget that experience.
“The atmosphere inside the stadium, the quality of the pitch, and even the way they manage the club on and off the pitch was another level. They used to tell us what to do. It was a good experience.”
)
17:32 - 15.06.2024
Arsenal and Everton pen glowing tribute to deceased former striker
Sad news as the Football realm loses one of its greatest players
Makwatta contrasted the high standards of facilities, coaching, and financial conditions in England with the state of sports in Kenya, highlighting the significant differences in football management between the two countries.
“Infrastructure. We do not have a stadium like that there. Kasarani and Nyayo are the only stadia that comes a little close. Look at the sorry state of our pitches during the rainy season. Dandora Stadium is an artificial turf. It is not the right pitch to use because it exposes players to injuries.”
He also noted the vast financial disparities. “Money-wise, they were on another level. The amount of money those players used to earn would make you crazy.”
)
15:00 - 14.06.2024
Harambee Stars defender secures loan move back to Finland after frustration in Sweden
Collins Sichenje is set for a loan move back to Finland providing him with a platform to continue his development.
Makwatta recounted a memorable interaction with Dieumerci Mbokani, the DR Congo striker, which left a lasting impression on him.
“We interacted with Dieumerci Mbokani. He came to training in a G-wagon. He told us about how the youth team is managed, considering we played their U21 side. It was a mind-blowing experience.”
Makwatta’s reflections underscore the need for improved infrastructure and financial support in Kenyan football to elevate the standards closer to those observed in top-tier leagues around the world.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)