City Stars boss Korir tips Kapen to succeed in the KPL

Nairobi City Stars boss Patrick Korir has tipped recruit Samuel Kapen to hit the ground running in his topflight debut following his arrival from National Super League side Kibera Black Stars.

Kapen was among the second-tier’s top achievers last term, scoring a whopping 16 goals and 17 assists. He made a blistering start to his tenure with Simba wa Nairobi with two assists in the recently concluded Elite Cup.

And Korir is confident Kapen will be successful in the topflight given his tenacity, work rate and impressive work ethic.

“We scouted him heavily from last season when he was with Black Stars (Kibera), and I am glad he signed with us.

He has thrived in different formations and combinations that we subjected him to in the preseason. He showed glimpses of his quality, and he can only get better,” Korir enthused.

Kapen first tasted topflight football in the 2020-2021season with Posta Rangers. Still, his contributions to the team were limited to two league cameos, and he was released in August last year alongside five other players whom coach Stanley Okumbi deemed surplus to requirement.

The former Liberty Academy ace will play an instrumental role in adding more precision to the Stars as they aim to stage a better show next season.

 “His rightful place is in attacking since he is fearless and has expressed willingness to progress our play while creating opportunities for our strikers to score,” he said. “Having started out initially as a defender, he will provide the much-needed shield for our flank defenders thus enhancing the efficiency of our defense.”

His recruitment is part of the outfit’s bid to better their fortunes from last term in which they finished fifth, five points adrift of the top four.