Kaizer Chiefs man Akumu ready to roar in Harambee Stars colours
Harambee Stars midfielder Anthony "Teddy" Akumu in action during the team's training session at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on October 7, 2020 ahead of their international friendly tie with Zambia on October 9
What you need to know:
- Akumu, 27, moved to South African giants Kaizer Chiefs at the beginning of the year.
- He reveals it hasn't been a smooth sailing for him in his debut season in the PSL but he is now ready to cement his position in the team.
Harambee Stars midfielder Anthony Akumu is optimistic of doing better in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa when the 2020/21 season kicks off.
Akumu, 27, moved to South African giants Kaizer Chiefs at the beginning of the year from Zambian side Zesco United and featured in several games as the Amakhosi were dramatically toppled from the top of the log on the last day of the season by Mamelodi Sundowns.
He reveals it hasn't been a smooth sailing for him in his debut season in the PSL but he is now ready to cement his position in the team.
"I joined the team with an injury and it wasn't easy to break into the squad as I was still recovering. When the league resumed after lockdown I started getting game time but still it wasn't easy to adapt," Akumu said.
"I learnt fast and I now know what is expected of me. I have adapted to their style of play and I am hoping to pick up from where I left when the new season kicks off. We have commenced pre-season training and I am now fully settled in the team."
Akumu is currently in camp with Harambee Stars as they prepare to face Zambia in an international friendly on Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Captain Victor Wanyama, who plies his trade with Montreal Impact in Canada, will not be part of the Kenya team as he did not travel due to Covid-19 restrictions and Akumu is now expected to fill in the shoes in the defensive midfield position.
Akumu was shockingly dropped from the final Harambee Stars for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt but says he bears no hard feelings.
"It is always a pleasure to be called to the national team and it's a honour to wear the jersey and represent the nation. What happened in the past doesn't matter, I will always give my best whenever called upon," he said.
"The task right now is to face Zambia and get a good result and the coach has made it clear to me and other senior players that we need to guide the rest of the squad. I am ready to do the job and play my part in ensuring we get a positive result."
Harambee Stars Coach Francis Kimanzi (left) and Assistant Coach Zedekiah Otieno during the team's training session at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on October 7, 2020 ahead of their international friendly tie with Zambia on October 9.
No fans will be allowed into the stadium due to the Covid-19 restrictions but the game will be live on StarTimes.
