Makati City Stars youngster Rowland Makati is embracing his new role as a right-back after a successful transition from being a midfielder when he joined the club.However, the former Vapor Sports midfielder was handed a baptism of fire during the City Stars league opener over Bidco United at Nyayo Stadium as the Kawangware-based side lost by two goals.Bidco’s attacking prowess in the match saw Makati rested after just 40 minutes with Calvins Masawa taking up his place as coach Nicholas Muyoti sought to limit the damage that had already been done.City Stars quartet talk fulfilled dreams after top-flight debutSpeaking to the club’s media, Makati noted that he heeded the coach’s call to transform to a right-back and he is now enjoying the role and learning how to properly fit in from his teammates.“I used to play as a right back for my local team though I always preferred to play in midfield. When the coach (Muyoti) told me he wanted to try me as a right back I quickly obliged. And with the help of my teammates, I am fitting into my new role gradually,” Makati said as quoted on the club’s website.With Kevin ‘Chumsy’ Okumu being among the players that left the club a couple of months ago, the position was only left to the long-serving Masawa and there was need to add back-up and that is where Makati slotted.##NAJAVA_MECA_6848502##During pre-season, he played as a right back in 11 out of 18 games, clocking 856 minutes in the process.Coach Muyoti has acknowledged the transition but remains hopeful that Makati can rectify on a few areas in his new role.“Makati is growing in confidence. We have seen a lot of improvement since he started playing as a right-back. His tracking back is very good just needs to work on his crosses and covering. He is adapting well to the position and has a bright future,” Muyoti said.
