Leopards talisman Rupia hails Olunga role in talent progression

John Kyandain Nairobi

AFC Leopards striker Elvis Rupia has hailed Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga as a role model saying the humility he possesses shows leadership and a goodwill to see the local talent progress to his level.

Rupia who was in camp with Olunga during the recent international break added that the striker is never selfish with information regarding tactical improvement for him and feels he will soon become a better finisher if he follows the AL Duhails striker’s advice.

“The camp was lively; he was very free with everyone; he was willing to offer tactical advice for anyone who was asking for his help,” he said.  “That level of humility is rare and it’s good for a player that many are looking up to. I’m hoping to improve myself when the league resume by putting into use some of the tactics he taught me to help my team win titles,” explained Rupia.

The former Wazito FC and Zambian side Power Dynamos goal poacher believes the experience of playing for the national soccer team Harambee Stars exposes players to better challenges that gives them the experience needed to get international recognition which can present an opportunity to play professional football abroad.

“The level of exposure is amazing, you face the who is who in the continent and that means you have to make the Kenyan flag fly high. It’s an amazing opportunity to show the world what you are made of and you never know who is watching,” added Rupia.

With 11 goals so far scored under his belt, Rupia is the second top scorer in the Kenyan Premier League, two goals shy of Eric Kapaito and the striker has praised Leopards coach Patrick Aussims tactical approach to games.

“He is experienced enough to want to see every player give the best for the team, he is gift enough to offer tactical advice on how we can approach different games to get maximum points as we race for the title which we want to win for the fans,” the former Wazito striker told Citizen Digital.

Before the league was stopped by the government due to the third wave of the Covid-19, Ingwe were third on the log with 29 points after 14 games,  seven points behind leaders Tusker FC.