Zoo Kericho’s Nicholas Kipkirui.[Photo/futaa.com]Zoo Kericho’s Nicholas Kipkirui, who was named the New/Young Player of the Year in Monday’s Sports Journalists Association of Kenya Awards, says this is just the beginning of many more accolades.
The striker, whose 10 goals and 18 assists helped Zoo avoid relegation in their maiden season in the SportPesa Premier League, is focused on winning trophies that will help him bag more awards.
“My target next year and probably the years to come is to get the most prestigious awards in football. I am working hard to achieve my goals as I am alive to the fact that without hard work you will not go far,” said Kipkirui.
“I commend the organizers of these awards for recognizing my talent and hard work,” added the 21-year-old, who believes the secret to success is discipline, hard work, and adherence to the coaches’ instructions.
Kipkirui has also called on more sponsors to come to the aid of local clubs so they can get away from their current struggles which are derailing talent development. His coach Sammy Okoth believes Kipkirui has the talent and discipline required to succeed at the top level, saying: “We congratulate him for having made us proud and also for flying the club’s flag high in the country. We know this is just the beginning.”
Kipkirui joined Zoo while still a Form One student at Kipchimchim Secondary School in Kericho and has been with them through the lower tier leagues before helping them to promotion last year.