Harambee Stars creative prospect reveals plans after recent run of starts for Ulinzi Stars

Harambee Stars creative prospect reveals plans after recent run of starts for Ulinzi Stars

Mark Kinyanjui 12:00 - 31.05.2024

Maina, who was part of the Kenya U-18 side that reached the finals of the CECAFA U-18 Championships last December, has revealed his plans after enjoying a more prominent role at Ulinzi Stars recently.

Kenya U-18 star Lucas Mania has revealed his ambitions for the remainder of the season at Ulinzi Stars after recently getting more starts for the Anthony ‘Modo’ Kimani-coached side.

Maina has had an up-and-down season blighted by injuries, which has prevented him from having a consistent run of games for the Soldiers. 

It is these injuries that prevented him from playing a big role during last December’s CECAFA U18 championships, which were held on home soil in Kisumu and Kakamega.

Having suffered a hairline fracture on his right foot during a pre-season friendly match against AFC Leopards last August, he did not kick a ball until the tournament itself.

Understandably, Kimani took it slow re-intergrating him into the side, bringing him on as a substitute to help him regain his sharpness, but he is at a point now where he can play 90-minute games, and has been a bright spark creating chances for an Ulinzi Stars side that has been super profligate in recent times.

Speaking to Pulse Sports, Maina opened up on the challenges he had to endure over the last 11 months.

“It has been a long and hard process because I have suffered a couple of injuries, but whenever fit, I have learnt to give it my best shot in any training sessions that I have had,” Maina said.

Ulinzi Stars are trying hard to fight for survival with three games to go. They sit 13th on 36 points,  but know that a win over Nzoia Sugar will guarantee their safety from the drop next weekend.

Maina believes the side has everything possible to be able to get maximum points in order to ensure they will be playing top flight football next season. He has also revealed an ambition to contribute heavily to their goals.

“We have a few matches left. I hope we will grab all the points so we can remain in the league. 

“I want to contribute regularly to the team in terms of my goal contributions for the remaining games as well.”

Maina is touted as a star for the future at the national team, especially considering that the side has struggled to find players that have natural flair and can create goal scoring opportunities.

Maina has revealed a desire to fulfill his dreams of playing for Harambee Stars. 

“That is my goal. Every player dreams of playing for the national team. I want to represent my country better.”

He has also revealed the part about his game he is working on improving in order to get to the next level.

“I want to focus on my shooting and converting my chances. Putting that ball into the back of the net is something I want to get better at.”

“I want to work on my lower body strength so that I can generate enough power to get back into the reckoning.”

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