Keli tired of bench-warming at Nkana FC
By BY NAIROBI NEWS TEAMKenya international Jacob Keli believes he will soon stop warming the bench for Nkana FC and make a breakthrough for the Zambian club.
Keli moved to the Zambian top flight club in June in a highly publicized transfer from AFC Leopards.
He has however struggled for playing time in competitive engagements with the Kalampa (Red Devils) ever since, despite featuring prominently and scoring in build up and friendly matches.
The former Kenyan Premier League top scorer has however maintained his confidence. Speaking to Nairobi News from his base in Kitwe, Keli also thanked the club fans for consistently supporting him on social media – a gesture he vows to repay in due course.
GROWING CONFIDENCE
“I have had to settle in slowly due to a couple of factors. Unlike in Kenya we train twice a day here, intense training. Both the coaches here and with the national team have retained their confidence in me which is satisfying. I am however feeling much better and used to my teammates. I believe if offered a chance now, I will be ready to go,” Keli said.
Keli, who alongside Zesco United defender David Owino are the only Kenyans in the Zambian league, has impressed fans of the club if comments on social media are anything to go by.
While responding to a blogger’s comments on social media about whether the former KCB man should be given more playing time, Diko Kaombe Chipampe said; “Yes most definitely he has to be given more time to prove himself, give him atleast 90 minutes, not 20 (mins),”
Sinkala Vin Kelvin said ” Nkana amazes me with its expenditures. That guy (Keli) is definitely costing the club huge sums yet he is not utilized. I watched the guy in friendlies and I think he deserves a lot.”