Kenyan midfielder Sven Yidah had a taste of the South African Premier League (PSL) after spending the concluded season with the relegated Marumo Gallants. Yidah, joined the modest list of Kenyan players who have graced the South African Premier Division after inking a deal with Marumo in August 2022 from Nairobi City Stars.##NAJAVA_MECA_7324347##While his first season down at south did not realize fruits in the eyes of many given the limited game time, the defensive midfielder is grateful and satisfied with what how he fared.“It was good especially in the early days. I missed around four league matches after failing to obtain work permit on time. I am glad I played some matches including a league tie against Orlando Pirates, a team I grew up watching on television,” he offered. Yidah, pointed at the high turn over of coaches at the club for the diminish in game time and the subsequent long and unexplained absence on match days.Kenya youngster excited at the prospect of facing Lionel MessiThe club that depicted contrasting form in the CAF Confederation Cup where they reached the semifinals of the tournament had five different coaches last season.Marumo kicked off the season with Romain Folz, a Frenchman who highly-rated Yidah at the helm of the technical bench.The 33-year old tactician reportedly resigned in September last year and was replaced by Raymond Mdaka who took over in acting capacity.Mdaka would be elbowed out later and his place in the bench taken by Dan Malesela who had a brief stint with the club.Kakamega Homeboyz defender Brian Wekesa eyes breakthrough in new seasonMalesela was kicked out in the closing stages of the season in favour of Mdaka with former Gor Mahia boss Dylan Kerr also in the picture although the latter didn’t man the touchline due to a work permit hitch.“I kicked off life in the South African league well. Things started going south after the coach who signed me left the club. I struggled to adapt to the philosophy of the new coach and before I could get it right, he was shown the door. The trend persisted up to the end of the season,” he opened up.Yidah might have gotten it rough once Folz left Marumo but he revealed that the words on encouragement from his compatriot Brian Mandela made hardened him to endure the frustrations.Kenyan defender Christopher Oruchum reveals foreign players’ hand in promoting Tanzanian leagueMandela plies trade with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and further, boasts years of experience in the competition having played for Maritzburg between July 2015 to October 2020.“Mandela did what my own brother could have done to ensure I was comfortable in South Africa. He kept on encouraging me even when things were not going the right way,” he stated.Recently, news outlets have been awash reporting that the Kenyan had been released by Marumo following the expiry of his contract.However, the Ligi Ndogo Academy product has a different version of the story as he claims that his employer is yet to free him.“I haven’t heard from the club or my agent regarding my future at the club,” he said.Zambian giants Zesco United courting Kenyan defender Christopher OruchumHaving tasted life abroad, the former Kariobangi Sharks players says he is not looking back whether Marumo hold on him or not.The former national U23 midfielder insists that he has the mettle to succeed in any league in the world.“My desire is to either play in South Africa or any other foreign league in the new season. I believe I have unfinished business in the PLS which is one of the best competitions in the continent. A move to Europe is also welcome,” said the hard tackler.
