Malian Sissoko has Den purring after GOtv Shield debut

AFC Leopards management is purring over the prospect of their new Malian import, Moussa Sissoko growing into an integral cog of the team after coming through his first 90 minutes of action at last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Kakamega Homeboyz in the GOtv Shield.

Belgian head coach, Ivan Minnaert, gave the attacking midfielder signed from Malian giants AC Djoliba his maiden run out after his International Transfer Certificate finally came through last week and his display for Leopards who sailed to the round of 16 earning plaudits.

Ingwe’s Team Manager, Joseph Milimu, has full confidence the player will have greater impact in the latter stages of the season announcing he has bedded in well at the Den and settling into his new Kenyan surroundings.

“The weekend match was only his first and if he can play like that on his debut, then we expect to see a much better player in the coming matches.

“This is a player who is only communicating with his colleagues using signs on the pitch since he only understands French as opposed to English and Swahili that other players are using and given time he will gel well in the system,” Milimu emphasised.

Sissoko however, is yet to get accustomed to local staple food and cannot eat popular corn meal, Ugali, since he finds it different from what they make in Mali. He has instead chosen to feed on French fries, rice, skillets and tea.

“Since he landed, he has not complained of the weather and the new environment and that shows that he is getting used to the new life,” the team manager added.

Sissoko is expected to vie for a starting berth in the forward line with vice-captain, Kepha Aswani, Paul Kiongera as well as youngsters Alfred Wekesa and Jack Bruno who impressed in the win over Homeboyz.

“If he bounces back to his top form we have known him while at Djoliba he will prove he is a wonderful player. His debut against Homeboyz was only a beginning point and with time he will start delivering,” Leopards Organising Secretary, Timothy Lilumbi, added.

“We are fully concentrating on GOtv Shield since that is the realistic target for us,” he added.