Kimani hails Rupia after solid Leopards start

AFC Leopards head coach Antony Kimani has hailed the impact of striker Elvis Rupia at the club since signing from Wazito FC on deadline day of January transfer window.

Rupia scored on his Leopards debut, netting a late winner as the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants downed Ulinzi Stars 1-0 on February 2.

Since then he has scored thrice in as two matches including a double against Sofapaka FC, underlining his goal-scoring pedigree and indicating he is the right man to fill John Makwatta’s boots.

Kimani said he believes the determination to prove his worth has contributed to Rupia’s sparkling form after suggesting the player felt undervalued at Wazito.

“I think Rupia didn’t feel  valued where ever he was. When a player has the confidence and trust of the technical bench and teammates he can thrive and Rupia is only starting to show his class,” Kimani said.

The tactician said his new star man has the ability to match the scoring rate of Makwatta, who still stands as the league’s leading goalscorer on 13 goals despite moving to the Zambian league, although he said the two are different players.

“Rupia likes to press more so his contribution to our defence is bigger. He is comfortable drifting wide on the wing so he is a player that we are lucky to have,” Kimani added.

Having scored eight goals so far Rupia is tied with Enos Ochieng of Ulinzi Stars in a tight race is being led by Makwatta, Enock Agwanda of KCB  and Tusker FC’s Timothy Otieno (both on 12).

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AFC Leopards Antony Kimani Elvis Rupia

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