Nzoia Sugar FC’s mass exodus from last season had one Kevin Maliachi finding home at FC Talanta.Having successfully played his part towards seeing the sugar millers finish 4th in the 2022-23 FKF Premier League season, the utility full-back joined the exiting bandwagon that had the greater chink landing at AFC Leopards.He, however, had chosen a different path and was quickly roped in by seasoned coach Ken Kenyatta.##NAJAVA_MECA_7863368##He feels he had overstayed his welcome at Nzoia hence the choice to explore.‘’I moved to Talanta for a fresher challenge having played in Nzoia for all over four years. When you stay that long it is possible to get comfortable and I didn’t want that,’’ says Maliachi.An unfortunate ankle fracture has, however, kept him on the sidelines since moving to the capital.He is yet to make a competitive league bow but stays hopeful.Representing his employers in their annual Kenya Communications Sports Organisation (KECOSO) pre-season tournament hosted in Narok, Maliachi suffered what initially seemed a simple ankle sprain, but one that would worsen with time- unchecked.‘’I honestly didn’t think it could get worse. It just felt okay, like any other knock that you could get even in training. I sat out a couple of training sessions and resumed three days later. This is when it worsened and the team had to send me to the physio for proper medical attention,’’ reveals Maliachi.How Tomas Trucha has managed to turn AFC Leopards fortunes aroundThe combative full-back, in recovery, credits his team with the aid they have given him since physios determined him unable to play a better part of this season’s FKF PL.‘’The entire team has been supportive throughout. The club catered for the treatment and everyone keeps checking up. This is a morale boost to me personally,’’ he continues.He is about a month away from beginning rehabilitation having had his cast taken off.Blow for Talanta as Maliachi is ruled out for a monthWith Talanta sitting precariously above the relegation zone, he cannot wait for a clean bill of health so that he can jump right back in and guide his new side.Coach Kenyatta’s men have blown hot and cold this season and dropped crucial points against other relegation-threatened sides.Sitting 13th on the table standings, Kenyatta’s men will take on Sofapaka FC- with whom they are tied on points- tomorrow.
