Kenyan international Eugene Asike has shared his experience of working with English Premier League (EPL) side Brighton & Hove Albion.The former Tusker player was one of the top defenders in the FKF Premier League over the past decade but his stay in the Kenyan league came to an end at the conclusion of last season as he then moved to England for studies and football.In an interview with Telecomasia, the 31-year-old shared how he ended up in the United Kingdom (UK) after turning down offers in Kenya.“I was offered a spot at Brighton University to study S&C (Strength and Conditioning) after watching what I do on the side apart from active football. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8564462##There was also a good opportunity presented for me to continue my football career in England and experience the English football culture. I turned down several offers I had back home and decided to take up this challenge,” said Asike.The former KCB striker has a passion for S&C which he was practicing back home through his own company, Elevate Athletics.Through his studies, the 2021 FKF PL defender of the year also gets to work with Brighton & Hove Albion as he continues to sharpen his S&C knowledge and skills. He gave details of what he does with the club.“It is a massive opportunity to be honest. I get to have sessions with the S&C coaches of Brighton FC, just to put what I have learnt into practice. Working with the coaches has been an eye opener for me and a huge learning curve, gaining valuable experience in the process. You get to learn how things are done in top professional clubs and this increases your knowledge and you appreciate the game more,” he explained.The two-time FKF Premier League winner with Tusker admitted that the opportunity he is having currently is the first big step towards transitioning to S&C as a professional after hanging his boots.“This has been something I have always loved doing since way back. I did the first step in opening my own fitness company –Elevate Athletics – and started training some top athletes. This is something that I love doing and I had envisioned it way back.##NAJAVA_MECA_8566359##So coming to England and getting more knowledge about S&C can only make things better for me now and in the future once I transition from football to S&C,” he added.Apart from his studies, the former Mozzart Bet Cup winner with Sofapaka also signed for English side Whitehawk FC, a team based in Brighton which plays in the Isthmian League Premier Division, the seventh tier in English football. He spoke of his experience in English football and the ambition to move up the ladder.“I have a chance to play in one of the English leagues and learn more about English football and its culture. It’s fast, physical and direct. I am loving the challenge so far and my aspiration is to get the team promoted, play as many games as possible and play in the highest league in the country. FKF promises merit-based selection for new Harambee Stars coachIt might be a challenge to fly all the way to the Premier League because of the restrictions around Kenya’s FIFA ranking, but who knows, if an opportunity arises I will be more than delighted,” he stated.The former Swedish side IF Karlstad defender also spoke of his general adaptation to life in the UK.“Well, So far so good. Things have been working well, adapting to a new culture, a new team and also doubling that up with school and work at Brighton. I love the challenge so far because every day is a learning experience,” he said.You can have your money: Luanda Villa refunds Shimanyula’s donation after FKF poll falloutAsike’s interest and transition to S&C is a perfect demonstration of the number of opportunities for not only footballers but sports persons in general to pursue, especially after actively exiting their primary sport.
