In the absence of James Saruni who missed the match against Tusker recently with injury, Brian Birgen was handed the captaincy at Nakuru and led the Soldiers as they recorded a barren draw at home, an improved result from the 2-0 defeat four days earlier, and the defender re-lives that moment as a good experience.Birgen, having joined the team back in 2014 and made his debut in the 2-1 win over AFC Leopards was the most experienced player for the Soldiers in that field alongside Bonface Onyango.For the rightback, captaining the side was a good experience and he was thankful to the technical bench for entrusting him with the responsibility.”It was a good experience because it has been a long journey. I joined the team when I was very young and I thank God for getting me to a point where I am handed the armband. I am thankful to the coach for entrusting me with the chance to lead the team,” Birgen said.The 27-year-old has been under a couple of captains, recently James Saruni, and tried to emulate what he has been learning from them when he was given the band.”I have been under a number of captains at Ulinzi and I have learnt a couple of things on top of the list being humble and leading by experience. You should be a good example in terms of discipline and have a good performance to lead from the front and I tried to emulate that,” he added.#KnowYourPlayerName: Brian BirgenNickname: YoboPosition: Wing back rightStronger foot: RightFavorite food: Rice and chickenSquad number: 35Joined Ulinzi Stars: 2014Former team(s): Ulinzi Warriors#GBUS#WeSoldierOn pic.twitter.com/aCbtvaNPba— Ulinzi Stars FC (@UlinziStarsFC) April 8, 2020 Reflecting on the game, Birgen said that it was a mirror of what is yet to come from the team ion the remaining matches as they seek to stage a strong finish to the season with the second half of the campaign quickly gaining pace.”The game was an image of what we are willing to put going forward to lift ourselves off the position we are in. Though we did not win, we put in a great effort and a great improvement from the other matches and we will build on that in future matches.” He concluded.
